This blog has shown many examples of different science topics that have been misrepresented or misunderstood. There are definitely problems with communication and science, which we should all be trying to fix. One aspect of science communication that I had not previously thought of was whether this was a common problem in science all along. Did early scientists have trouble describing their work? Was their work ever misinterpreted or misrepresented? How did the public react to their information back then? And now for a little history lesson!
Recently in a class I am taking, we were talking about embryogenesis. A photo was displayed showing comparative anatomy of embryos of different species. The author of the photo was a man named Ernst Haeckel, a German biologist, philosopher, physician, and professor. He discovered thousands of new species and drew hundreds of detailed illustrations of animals and other creatures. Haeckel was the topic of some dispute with his "Embryology and Recapitulation Theory" as well as his support of the theory of evolution. His recapitulation theory consisted of the idea that there was a link between otogeny (the development of form) and phylogeny (evolutionary decent), He strongly supported this theory with his drawings in which he showed embryos in early, later, and still later development. The drawings were later discredited because he oversimplified them in order support his theories on evolution. He received lots of criticism over the drawings and a lot of opposition from the catholic church as well as other scientists, but was also supported by many scientists that believed his theories. I think that this example goes to show you that there were discrepancies in science as early as the 1800s. It seems that the science industry today has many different publications that contradict each other and both sides can end up in the media, or maybe just one side that misrepresents the true facts (vaccine example). I have to wonder if these drawings changed many views and brought up a lot of controversy among different people with different beliefs. Now, we know that he did not portray the drawings absolutely correctly in order to support his own theories. I have heard of some papers being retracted in more recent times that had already led some to think differently from the correct facts. I find it interesting that Haeckels drawings caused so much controversy among public and scientists alike. It goes to show that today's problems are not necessarily new and that miscommunications can occur in many places and times.
-Kate
I remember seeing these drawings in a book that must have been in grade school. I also saw a really neat museum display of jarred embryos once that I believe was intended to recapitulate this idea. It is really a bummer that someone with so much knowledge and experience would intentionally provide misinformation. During a time when there also weren't nearly as many well trained scientists, it seems like this is an easy thing to get away with. But is it worth it? Once discovered, the label of "fraud" will forever be attached to his name. I imagine that is the last way anyone should ever want to be remembered.
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