Newton’s Apple and Other Myths about Science - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0674241568 ISBN 13: 9780674241565

Publisher: Harvard University Press, 2020

Synopsis

A Guardian “Favourite Reads―as Chosen by Scientists” Selection

“Tackles some of science’s most enduring misconceptions.”
―Discover

A falling apple inspired Isaac Newton’s insight into the law of gravity―or did it really?

Among the many myths debunked in this refreshingly irreverent book are the idea that alchemy was a superstitious pursuit, that Darwin put off publishing his theory of evolution for fear of public reprisal, and that Gregor Mendel was ahead of his time as a pioneer of genetics. More recent myths about particle physics and Einstein’s theory of relativity are discredited too, and a number of dubious generalizations, like the notion that science and religion are antithetical, or that science can neatly be distinguished from pseudoscience, go under the microscope of history.

Newton’s Apple and Other Myths about Science brushes away popular fictions and refutes the widespread belief that science advances when individual geniuses experience “Eureka!” moments and suddenly grasp what those around them could never imagine.

“Delightful…thought-provoking…Every reader should find something to surprise them.”
―Jim Endersby, Science

“Better than just countering the myths, the book explains when they arose and why they stuck.”
―The Guardian

About this title

About the Authors

Ronald L. Numbers was Hilldale Professor Emeritus of the History of Science and Medicine at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Kostas Kampourakis is Scientific Collaborator, Section of Biology and University Teacher Training Institute, University of Geneva.

Edition details

• Publisher: Harvard University Press
• Publication date: 2020
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0674241568
• ISBN 13: 9780674241565
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 304
• Editor: Numbers