“There is a sucker born every minute” is a statement attributed to P.T. Barnum of circus fame who also opined that “Every crowd has a silver lining.” This apparent truism has encouraged all kinds of grifters, con men, and others scoundrels to devise schemes to separate the fools amongst us from their money. In an age where science and the scientific method are thought to be capable of daily miracles, it came to be understood that many people could be bilked by purchasing gadgets that were promoted using pseudoscience and slick advertising materials. These devices cover a wide range of applications, from water treatment to the Cathodic Protection of automobiles.

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