Surprising Science — March 20, 2014

Embarrassing Moments in Science

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

Alchemy was once all the rage in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Yes, people actually practiced this witchcraft-like form of chemistry. It centered around uncovering an elixir of life, and trying to turn baser metals into gold. One could describe alchemy as the Ponzi scheme of the sciences.

What are some other embarrassing moments in science?HowStuffWorks tests your knowledge of the bogus arts with this funny quiz. How many answers can you get right?

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

A drawing of a man with a beard and a pot.

The Well

Respect alchemy. The crazy, criminal pursuit gave us modern science

Alchemy had its golden age in the 17th century, when it counted Isaac Newton and Robert Boyle among its adherents.

The Learning Curve

Fear of scams drives your behavior in nefarious ways

Fear of being scammed can lead us to make decisions that go against our values and goals — both as individuals and as a society.

The Past

How the death of alchemy gave birth to modern science

Far from practicing witchcraft, the experimentation of medieval alchemists helped bring about the Scientific Revolution.

The Past

The hobbies of 5 great geniuses

Albert Einstein played a mean violin.

Progress

We need a new philosophy of progress

Progress got derailed somewhere between indoor plumbing and the flying car. Why?

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