From Madman to Crime Fighter: The Scientist in Western Culture

This book is a deep dive into scientists and the many roles of the past that led to them, such as alchemists, as well as our visions of the future for them. It looks at archetypes in media and culture on how we consider these people of the past as well as how scientists are portrayed nowadays—touching on the crazy to the honorable as well as all their potential and brilliance. Author Roslynn D. Haynes is an Australian professor that explores examples from many places around the world but many examples are draws from Western Europe and Russia. From folklore to public health perceptions, she highlights the importance in understanding the perceptions of the past to understand how we think, feel, and interact with doctors and scientists—especially the negative but shedding light on the wonderful positives as well.