Polywater

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In the 1960s claims were made that scientific studies had confirmed an hither-to unknown phase of water, called polywater.[1][2][3][4] Poly water was said to be a kind or ordered liquid water, formed in very thin quartz capillary tubes. Poly water was said to have a much lower freezing point than regular water, a much higher boiling point, and to be extremely viscous.

Research grants requests were written.[1] Studies were conducted. In the end it turned out that the anomalous properties were due to impurities in the tubes -- not due to the discovery of a new form of liquid water.

Like N-Rays, polywater is cited as a warning against scientific hubris.[1][4][5]

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