Summary

Agin divides each of the six parts into chapters (see the contents) and each chapter is divided into multiple sections. In each section, the current research (and misuse of the research) is presented. The book is only 290 pages long, and the 19 chapters are each divided into multiple sections of (typically less than two pages each).

Part one deals with situations in which dogma has interfered with the advance of science. Examples from the historic past include Galileo's observations that removed the Earth from the center of the universe, eugenics in America and Europe, Russia agronomy, and the Pithdown hoax, as well as examples from the end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century.

Part two deals with situations in which junk science has been (and continues to be used) to sell products. Examples include diet and nutritional fads, genetically modified foods, anti-aging products, and tobacco.

Part three deals with issues related to health care including big drug companies, alternative medicine, health insurance, and psychiatry. Because the book was written in 2006, the recent debate oer health care is not described, but the treatment does help to put recent events in perspective.

Part four deals with issues related to the environment including pollution, weapons of mass destruction, and global warming.

Part five deals with issues related to religion including creationism, stem cell research, and cloning. 

Part six deals with issues related to the nature-nurture debate including the junk science related to biological determinism and the fallacy of intelligence testing.

Part seven looks are the role of various entities including corporations, politicians, educators, and even scientists in the continued use of junk science in social decision making.

> A review of the book from the San Diege Times Union