The Ambiguous Frog

The book delves into the Galvani-Volta controversy, highlighting the clash between two scientists' interpretations of muscle contractions in frogs. Luigi Galvani proposed the existence of animal electricity, while Alessandro Volta attributed the phenomenon to physical electricity. By examining their methodologies and the prevailing metaphysical beliefs of the late 18th century, the author reveals how scientific acceptance is influenced by rhetoric and political dynamics rather than solely by empirical evidence. This historical analysis sheds light on the complexities of scientific discourse and theory selection.