Seven Experiments That Could Change the World: A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Revolutionary Science

Examines the realities of unexplained natural phenomenon and provides explanations that push the boundaries of science. • Looks at animal telepathy and the ability of pigeons to home. • Proves the point that "big questions don't need big science". • Noted scientist Rupert Sheldrake is a former research fellow of the Royal Society. • New Edition with an Update on Results. How does your pet "know" when you are coming home? How do pigeons "home"? Can people really feel a "phantom" amputated arm? These questions and more form the basis of Sheldrake's look at the world of contemporary science as he puts some of the most cherished assumptions of established science to the test. What Sheldrake discovers is that certain scientific beliefs are so widely taken for granted that they are no longer regarded as theories but are seen as scientific common sense. In the true spirit of science, Sheldrake examines seven of these beliefs. Refusing to let intellectual dogmatism influence his search for the truth, Sheldrake presents simple experiments that allow the curious and the skeptical to join in his journey of discovery. His experiments look at how scientific research is often biased against unexpected patterns that emerge and how a researcher's expectations can influence the results. He also examines the taboo of taking pets seriously and explores the question of human extrasensory perception. Perhaps most important, he questions the notion that science must be expensive in order to achieve important results, showing that inexpensive methods can indeed shake the very foundations of science as we know it. In this compelling and intelligent book, Sheldrake offers no preconceived wisdom or easy answers--just an open invitation to explore the unknown, create new science, and perhaps, even change the world.

Table of Contents:
Preface to Second Edition Preface to First Edition General Introduction: Why Big Questions Don't Need Big Science Part One: Extraordinary Powers of Ordinary Animals Introduction to Part One: Why Puzzling Powers of Animals Have Been Neglected Chapter 1: Pets Who Know When Their Owners Are Returning Chapter 2: How Do Pigeons Home? Chapter 3: The Organization of Termites Conclusions to Part One Part Two: The Extended Mind Introduction to Part Two: Contracted and Extended Minds Chapter 4: The Sense of Being Stared At Chapter 5: The Reality of Phantom Limbs Conclusions to Part Two Part Three: Scientific Illusions Introduction to Part Three: Illusions of Objectivity Chapter 6: The Variability of the "Fundamental Constants" Chapter 7: The Effects of Experimenters' Expectations Conclusions to Part Three General Conclusions Appendix to the Second Edition Updates on the Seven Experiments Notes Bibliography Index

About the Author :
Rupert Sheldrake, Ph.D., is a former research fellow of the Royal Society and former director of studies in biochemistry and cell biology at Clare College, Cambridge University. He is the author of more than 60 technical papers in scientific journals and several books, including The Rebirth of Nature, The Presence of the Past, A New Science of Life, and Dogs That Know When Their Owners Are Coming Home. He lives in London.

Review :
"In any generation, there are only a handful of people whose ideas contain the possibility of significantly altering the course of human history. Dr. Rupert Sheldrake is such a person. His ideas offer a real chance for humanity to regain its spiritual bearings. We have been blessed with a rare genius."