Ronald L. Numbers is 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.
[A] provocative collection that tackles some of science's most
enduring misconceptions and dubious assumptions. -- Gemma Tarlach *
Discover *
In Newton's Apple and Other Myths about Science 27 experts
in the history of science and science education explore 27 'myths'
that are staples of classroom and popular science. Each short,
readable and authoritative chapter is perfect commute-length
reading. Better than just countering the myths, the book explains
when they arose and why they stuck. -- Rebekah Higgitt * The
Guardian *
[A] delightful collection of short, thought-provoking
essays...Every reader should find something to surprise them. --
Jim Endersby * Science *
Newton's Apple seeks to expose lingering misconceptions
about the precursors of modern science, about how science is
conducted, and about leading researchers who pushed their fields
forward. -- Bob Grant * The Scientist *
Myth busting is always great fun as well as being educational.
Newton's Apple and Other Myths about Science is a splendid
sequel to Galileo Goes to Jail and Other Myths about Science and
Religion. Here, twenty-eight experts punch holes in widely-held
opinions about science. But it may be disconcerting to find a few
of your own long-held beliefs in the ranks. So don't read this book
if you aren't prepared to change your mind. -- Owen Gingerich,
author of God's Planet
Twenty-seven popular myths about science and its history bite the
dust in this engaging and timely book. In these essays, Numbers,
Kampourakis, and a host of eminent experts set the record straight
and explore how and why these myths become part of our collective
memory-whether right or wrong. Each chapter offers important
lessons about history and the scientists involved in some of our
most significant discoveries. -- Janet Browne, author of Charles
Darwin: A Biography
Numbers and Kampourakis have assembled a splendid collection of
essays challenging rampant misconceptions about science past and
present. This book will be of interest to researchers, teachers,
students, and anyone who cares about getting the history of science
right. -- Angela N. H. Creager, author of Life Atomic
Many of the facts we think we know about science-that Isaac Newton
has an epiphany about gravity when an apple fell on his head, for
example, are apocryphal. These essays by science and other
historians challenge the idea that science is an endeavor that
jumps forward because of the discoveries or inventions of
individuals, explaining that it is instead advanced by the
accretion of tiny breakthroughs made by multitudes over time. --
Henrietta Verma * Library Journal *
Myths die hard no matter how often they are refuted, and this
splendid essay collection, edited by Numbers and Kampourakis,
tackles many of the most prevalent and destructive myths about
science... The book's real value lies in the way that each author
not only refutes a myth, but traces its origins and points out why
it has lasted so long; each brief, well-written essay-they average
eight pages-gives the historical context and explains the relevant
science. * Publishers Weekly (starred review) *
Myths about science, including its history and practice, abound
among the general public, scientists, and science teachers...This
book will be a surprising read for the general audience and even
scientists; it is a must read for science educators. -- P. D. Skiff
* Choice *
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