Neurotic Cats, One-Eyed Aliens and Hypnosis for Liars Are among the Historical Gems Reported in Scientific American

image via New Scientist

July 30, 2025, 1:00 PM

• •Scientific American's 180-year archive reveals quirky tales and scientific progress.
• •Articles cover topics from early telephone technology and steam boiler explosions to space travel and hypnotic suggestion.
• •The collection includes both prescient and outdated scientific ideas, showcasing the evolution of science.
• •Mark Fischetti, a senior editor, highlights the magazine's legacy and its exploration of scientific advancements.

Scientific American celebrates 180 years of reporting on scientific advancements and discoveries. The magazine's archive features a diverse collection of articles, some reflecting the era's scientific understanding and others predicting future technologies. The articles range from early inventions like the electro-artograph to explorations of space travel and hypnotic practices. Mark Fischetti, a senior editor, curates and highlights the magazine's history, showcasing the evolution of science and the magazine's role in documenting it.

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