The most vehement criticism of Dan Brown’s new book The Lost Symbol concerns the view of many reviewers that while the material about Freemasonry may be based on fact, the science is more akin to science fiction. Katherine Solomon, one of the main characters, is a scientist particularly interested in ‘mind over matter’ – the power of thought.

Brown makes it clear at the outside in a page entitled ‘FACT’, that “All rituals, science, artwork and monuments in this novel are real.” Nevertheless, a few of the more traditional scientists or science writers are already taking a swing at Brown for More >