"The Method of Difference must, therefore, always be used tentatively and with great care. An example showing how it may be misleading, is the belief of the Ancients, recorded by Plutarch and Pliny, and still found in different parts of the world to-day, that moonbeams promote putrefaction. This was based on the observation, in warm climates, that animal substances show increased putrefaction after nights of bright moonshine. It was considered that this was due to the increased moisture formed on such nights, which was attributed to a special humidifying property of the moonbeams."
p.117
Brown, G. Burniston (1950) Science. Its method and its philosophy. London. George Allen & Unwin Ltd.
Read about the nature of alternative conceptions
Read about some examples of science misconceptions
Read about historical scientific conceptions
