Preface

Introductory Note

Folly 1: Squaring the Circle Part 1

Folly 1: Squaring the Circle Part 2

Folly 2: The Duplication of the Cube

Folly 3: The Trisection of an Angle

Folly 4: Perpetual Motion Part 1

Folly 4: Perpetual Motion Part 2 - Absurdities

Folly 4: Perpetual Motion Part 3 - Fallacies and Frauds

Folly 5: The Transmutation of Metals--Alchemy

Folly 6: The Fixation of Mercury

Folly 7: The Universal Medicine and the Elixir of Life

Additional Follies: Perpetual Lamps, Alkahest, Palingenesy, and Sympathy

The Fourth Dimension

Space, Bootstraps, Spiders, Sun-dials, and Compasses

Micrography

Illusions of the Senses

Seeing through a Hole in the Hand and a Brick

Curious Arithmetical Problems

Popular Fallacies and Common Errors: Accidental Discoveries and Steam Engines