A review by mjb2022
Physics on the Fringe: Smoke Rings, Circlons, and Alternative Theories of Everything by Margaret Wertheim

3.0

There were several good points the pros and cons of being an outsider to the field of physics.The author pointed out the reasons why most "outsider" physicist ideas and theories are rejected by the "insider" physicists. I especially enjoyed reading about Jim Carter and his experiments to test his theories. He did have a lot of creative ideas, give credit for that. His only problem was his unwillingness to read up on the history of physics and what was done in the past and what actually might need more researching and testing. It is a waste of time and energy to try to refute established theories that most insider scientist regards as scientific "truths". It is also interesting to note the author comments about artists and writers having credentials and that trend will continue which also is resulting in the explosions of artist and writers who are outside the mainstreams as is happening with the physics community. If one wants to pursue physics as a hobby I think they should at least read up on the subjects their interested in first and then learn to do the mathematics. There are used college textbooks at all levels that one could buy and study on their own. I think a lot more could be accomplished in the field if both groups of insiders and outsiders could design programs, and projects that would contribute to the advancement of the sciences rather than be the exclusive elite of one group over the other. Another idea would be to have an "insider" physicist become a mentor for those individuals who are genuinely interested in doing physic that would be useful to the scientific community. For the most part the book is a helpful understanding the difference between the two groups. Something to think more about.