The Undergrowth of Science
Delusion, self-deception and human frailty
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 20026006 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Walter Gratzer (corresponding author) |
| Year | 2000 |
| Pages | 337 |
| Publication date | 2000-09-07 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | BOOK |
| Venue | The Undergrowth of Science (SOURCE_BOOK) |
| Publisher | Oxford University PressOxford (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1093/oso/9780198507079.001.0001 |
| OpenAlex | W4388333905 |
| ISBN | 9780198507079 |
| Open Library | OL7400088M |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 4 |
The theme is scientific foible. Gratzer describes for a general readership a number of episodes in science and medicine where an erroneous research finding was adhered to and given credence by its originators and others far beyond the point where it had been effectively discredited. Each of these episodes is dealt with in detail, with special attention given to the individuals involved, their careers and personalities, their relations with others, and so on. A fascinating, well written collection of stories from the history of science. They include the affair of the N-rays ('the best and most widely analysed example of tribal delusion in the history of science'), Lysenko and the tragedy of Soviet genetics, science in the Third Reich, the tale of polywater, and the cold-fusion aberration of the 1980s. The writing is very clear and eminently readable with good use made of anecdotes and literary references. Here is a book that is both entertaining and thought-provoking
Art · Literature · Sociology · Theme (computing) · Climate Change Communication and Perception · Computer Science · History · Philosophy · Science
| Citations per year | 0.57 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2019 - 2025 (7) |
| Highly cited | No |