Newtons Apple and Other Myths about Science

A Guardian Favourite Readsas Chosen by Scientists Selection Tackles some of sciences most enduring misconceptions. Discover A falling apple inspired Isaac Newtons insight into the law of gravityor 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 Einsteins 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. Newtons 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. Delightfulthought-provokingEvery 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