[ OT ] history of science: cases of mainstream in error

I'm interested in compiling a list of cases in the history
of science where the mainstream view was in error in a period
when the mainstream was challenged, where mainstream means
natural philosophers, physicists, biologists, etc.

For example, in an other thread, I mentioned that physicists
gave a low maximum age to the sun before radio-activity
and nuclear reactions were discovered, which was
in quite sharp disagreement with estimates from earth scientists
for time needed to form of the Grand Canyon
[ this may or may not have been a point of disagreement, because
it depends on what geologists theorized or knew about its
formation ] , and a large amount of fossil evidence,
volcanoes, mountain formation and erosion, sedimentation,
and all else that geologists study ].

Another case: in biology, Lamarck had a theory of
spontaneous generation of life:
so mold could form in a closed jar without any "seed"
form of life, in this theory. Same for colonies
of bacteria. Pasteur proved it false, if I've got
the story right.

David Bernier
.

Relevant Pages

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  • Re: [ OT ] history of science: cases of mainstream in error
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  • Re: [ OT ] history of science: cases of mainstream in error
    ... of science where the mainstream view was in error in a period ... For example, in an other thread, I mentioned that physicists ... volcanoes, mountain formation and erosion, sedimentation, ... on the energy content of a Sol sized lump of coal, ...
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