In this book, Samuel Eugene Stevens explores the relations between science and superstition, especially as they manifest in the myths, beliefs, and practices of diverse cultures throughout history. Stevens draws from a wide range of disciplines, from anthropology to physics, to challenge common assumptions about the opposition of reason and faith. Instead, he argues that both science and superstition share common roots and goals, namely to explain and control the natural phenomena and to provide meaning and purpose for human life. This book is a fascinating and provocative contribution to the philosophy of science and religion. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.