The Popularization of Science

The Hydesville rappings seemed like observable, and thus, "scientific" evidence of an afterlife.

Throughout the 19th century, American tried to see the world through the lens of scientific inquiry. Aurora Borealis, long though to be a myth or supernatural sign, was finally explained. And in 1824, dinosaur bones were correctly identified as belonging to a new species of giant lizard. Around the world, people delighted in the news that dinosaurs, sounded exactly like the dragons of ancient legend. They began to expect science to prove all man's myths, legends, and wildest dreams true.