Encyclopedia of Pseudoscience

Entries discuss terms, events, ideas, people, and institutions relating to systems of thought that are not at this time considered true by most mainstream scientists. They include those such as alchemy and astrology that were corrected to our way of thinking, those that refused to change and were left behind, those such as acupuncture and homeopathy that are now beginning to be accepted, those like psychic dreams and UFO that still have a ways to go, popular beliefs such as fortune telling and horoscopes, and hoaxes believed to be true by many people. Essays explain the criteria and examine the impact of public policy and science. The cross-referencing is extensive and many articles cite sources of deeper information. Encyclopedia of Pseudoscience is the first one-volume, A-to-Z reference that identifies, defines, and explains all of the terms, events, ideas, people, and institutions linked to this fascinating branch of science history. It examines how "almost sciences" have affected people throughout history and how they exert an influence on our social and academic lives today. -- Fringe sciences that became the forerunners of a new scientific discipline, such as alchemy to chemistry and astrology to astronomy -- Fringe sciences that fell into disrepute, such as phrenology and racial theories -- Common practices now moving forward into orthodox science, such as acupuncture, homeopathy, and therapeutic touch -- Cultish and faddish interests that are now part of our popular culture, such as fortune telling, horoscopes, and superstitions -- "Borderlands" of science, such as ESP, psychic claims, and UFOs -- Hoaxes thought by many as truths, such as the Amityville Horror and the Loch Ness monster.