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More than just a collection of factual entries, this rich resource explores the difference between scientific and pseudoscientific pursuits in a way that spurs readers to ask questions and formulate answers. What makes science science? How do we tell which assertions, beliefs, and methods are scientifically sound, and which are not? Brian Regal's authoritative, entertaining new reference, Pseudoscience: A Critical Encyclopedia gets at the heart of these questions by helping readers understand how the scientific method works, how to critically analyze all kinds of "evidence," and how to sort through long-running myths and current pseudoscience controversies.Ranging from the dawn of history to the present and across world cultures, Pseudoscience uses a field of endless fascination as a means of driving home the importance of solid scientific reasoning. The encyclopedia spans the full spectrum of scientific and nonscientific pursuits, from chemistry, biology, psychology, and medicine to eugenics, religion, cryptozoology, the occult, and paranormal activities. Specific entries focus on general concepts of science, the lives of individuals, and claims of abilities. Throughout, these entries go beyond simply stating facts by constantly engaging readers in a discussion about the very nature of true scientific discovery.

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CHOICE Review

Regal (Kean Univ.) is a historian of the science of human origins and the fringes of science. This encyclopedia's 124 entries are cross-referenced, indexed, and arranged alphabetically. They range from a single paragraph in length to more than three pages, and cover topics from alchemy to reality television. An extensive bibliography includes primary and secondary sources. The "critical" aspect in the title comes from the author's discussion of the scientific validity of the entries and their social implications. Although a critical approach is beneficial for undergraduates, it tends to get lost in the historical details, a confusing selection of entries, and uneven treatments. Entries drawn from the distant past, when science was less recognizable, are less effective than contemporary examples at illuminating the boundaries between science and pseudoscience. In the context of the Encyclopedia of Pseudoscience (CH, Feb'01, 38-3079), ed. by W. F. Williams and featuring over 2,000 entries, and the two-volume The Skeptic Encyclopedia of Pseudoscience (CH, Apr'03, 40-4360), ed. by M. Shermer, this new work feels a bit thin at under 200 pages. Also, the author undermines his own credibility by admitting that he fabricated one entry in the book, and leaving it to readers to guess which one it is. Summing Up: Optional. Lower- and upper-level undergraduates; general readers. T. L. Bremholm Tulane University

Booklist Review

Regal (history of science, Kean University) has compiled an interesting survey of pseudoscience. His introduction on the definition of pseudoscience and its social and philosophical implications is a very good way to start to think about pseudoscience and how to detect it. The 124 entries range from a paragraph to several pages. Most have citations for further reading, and many also have see references to other articles. Topics range from Creation science to Bigfoot and Unidentified flying objects (UFOs). Besides a description of the phenomenon, the longer articles describe its pseudoscientific aspects. A few topics, such as Blind testing, are included to help readers understand the difference between scientific and nonscientific approaches. All the articles are good, and some, including those on Eugenics, Intelligent design, and Pseudohistory are useful introductions to those ideas. The bibliography lists some items as current as 2008 but no Web sites. The 40 line drawings were commissioned for the book, but in some cases (for example, entries for individuals) stock photographs might have worked better. There are a number of typos. Even with its flaws, the book is useful, as there are not many resources on the side of skepticism that are as civil and as fair as this one. Public libraries as well as academic libraries with popular culture or history of science courses should consider acquiring this title. Also available as an e-book.--Stipek, Kathleen Copyright 2010 Booklist

Notas de autor provistas por Syndetics

Brian Regal is assistant professor of the history of science at Kean University, Union, NJ.