"Theories on the Scrap Heap examines the subject of rejected scientific theories through an analysis of case studies from more than two centuries of science. Using excerpts from the work of prominent scientists and philosophers of science, John Losee discusses a sequence of questions about the falsification, rejection, and replacement of theories: When observational evidence conflicts with the assumptions of a theory, does this signify the death of the theory? If rival theories are available to account for an experience, how is the choice between them to be made? Are there generally accepted criteria by which competing theories may be evaluated? When is the replacement of one theory by another justified?"--Jacket.