Coverage includes:
-- Fringe sciences that became the forerunners of a new scientific discipline, such as alchemy to chemistry and astrology to astronomy
-- Fringe sciences that fell into disrepute, including phrenology and racial theories
-- Common practices now moving forward into orthodox science, such as acupuncture
-- Cultish and faddish interests that are now part of our popular culture, such as fortune telling, horoscopes, and superstitions
-- "Borderlands" of science, including ESP
-- Hoaxes thought by many to be truths, including the Amityville Horror.

With more than 2,000 extensively cross-referenced entries, the encyclopedia is an indispensable resource for public and academic libraries. Its depth and breadth of coverage will be useful to researchers; general readers will find the subject matter informative and entertaining.