Fakes!? Hoaxes, Counterfeits and Deception in Early Modern Science

Beretta, Marco, and Maria Conforti, eds., 2014 xv + 280pp., illus., 6 x 9, gatefold paperback Table of Contents Introduction vby Marco Beretta and Maria Conforti IIs Doctoring Data Always Misconduct? Case Studies: Ptolemy, Copernicus, LansbergenOwen Gingerich IIFile down the Data!Data Treatment Procedures and False Positives for Fakes in Ptolemy’s Almagest Giorgio Strano IIIThe Significance of Transmutation in Early Modern Alchemy The Case of Thurneysser’s Half-gold NailDidier Kahn IVTransmutations and Frauds in Enlightened Paris Lavoisier and AlchemyMarco Beretta VColoring Topaz, Crystal and MoonstoneFactitious Gems and the Imitation of Art and Nature, 300–1500Marjoljin Bol VIDivers, Sirens and FishesThe Anatomy of Underwater CreaturesMaria Conforti VIIContrivances of ArtThe Power of Imagery in the Early Modern Culture of CuriosityAlessandro Tosi VIIIAthanasius Kircher’s Palingenetic PlantIngrid Rowland IXCertain Fakes and Uncertain FactsJan Jonston and the Questi