5 lessons about misinformation from ancient Greek and Roman scientists

Institute for the Study of the Ancient World via Wikimedia, CC BY

Ancient scientists can be easy to dismiss.

Greek philosopher Thales of Miletus, often described as the West’s first scientist, believed the whole Earth was suspended on water. Roman encyclopaedist Pliny the Elder recommended entrails, chicken brains, and mice cut in two as topical remedies for snakebite.