John Phin
The Seven Follies of Science [2nd ed.]
A popular account of the most famous scientific impossibilities and the attempts which have been made to solve them. To which is added a small budget of interesting paradoxes, illusions, and marvels
"The Seven Follies of Science [2nd ed.]" by John Phin is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This work explores some of the most infamous scientific impossibilities and the historical attempts made to solve them, detailing concepts such as squaring the circle, perpetual motion, and the philosopher's stone. By presenting these topics in a straightforward manner, the author aims to make complex ideas accessible to the general reader. At the start of the publication, the author introduces the concept of 'scientific follies'—problems that have captivated the human imagination despite being mathematically impossible. Phin emphasizes the allure these challenges hold, noting that many seek to solve them out of sheer curiosity and sometimes misguided confidence. In addition to shedding light on various famous problems, he touches upon the historical context and cultural fascination surrounding them, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of each folly in the chapters to follow. Overall, the opening portion lays a foundation for examining the intersection of human curiosity, error, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge in science.