N-rays : an episode in the history and psychology of science / Mary Jo Nye.
Abstract:
In 1903, René Blondlot discovered N-rays, which he claimed emanated from both living and inert bodies. Their effects were observed by at least 40 people and analysed by 100 scientists in 300 papers. N-rays, however, do not exist. This paper argues that "an important element in the N-ray episode was the effect upon scientific work of the scientist's sense of competition with his peers."
Historical studies in the physical sciences Vol. 11 (1980), p. 125-156