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.
[A] provocative collection that tackles some of science’s most
enduring misconceptions and dubious assumptions.
*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.
*The Guardian*
[A] delightful collection of short, thought-provoking essays…Every
reader should find something to surprise them.
*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.
*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.
*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.
*Choice*
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