An antidote to the hagiography of science that dispels the idea of clear cut and definitive experiments that change knowledge as we know it. Familiar topics like Pasteur's experiments on spontaneous generation and Einstein's predictions vs Newton's models are made more clear by explaining how they were less clear than we're led to believe. In a world surrounded by half baked studies and media headline manipulation, this is more important than ever. Even the "definitive" experiments weren't, and were instead manipulated, interpreted and lobbied for.
The book balances these heroic triumphs of science with lesser known failures, and shows the similarities in the mire of uncertainty. It's the sausage making of advancing scientific understanding and it's ugly. ( )

The Golem takes the form of case histories of some of science's defining moments (Eddington's 'proof' of Einstein's relativity) and some less well-known ones (the sex-life of lizards). The main point is to show how such discoveries and advancements aren't the result of pure logical and experimental method, but occur in conjunction with other factors. Often, controversies are not categorically settled, but things simply move on - due to lack of funding, new discoveries in other fields, etc. Pinch and Collins are not sceptical about scientific advance, however, but merely wish to show (like Thomas Kuhn) how it may not be a completely rational process (as its cheerleaders would have us believe). Very readable and fascinating - a great book.

Gareth Southwell is a philosopher, writer and illustrator.