Chilling History of Creepy Thought Experiments in Science

Undoubtedly, we have science to thank for the many advancements that improve our lives. From preserving food to purifying drinking water, and harnessing cheap and abundant energy, science has contributed immensely to our world. However, sometimes the pursuit of knowledge and innovation takes disturbing and unethical directions that challenge our moral compass.

Here are some of the most controversial and chilling experiments in scientific history, which were so focused on the ‘if’ it could be done, that they ignored the ‘should’.

Calzones: A Monkey’s Distorted Vision

Calzones, a young rhesus monkey, was taken prematurely from his mother's arms for an experiment at the University of California. Researchers aimed to investigate a sonar device for blind people, not realizing that Calzones was not blind to begin with. The scientists sewed his eyelids shut, causing him immense pain and suffering. Eventually, Calzones was freed by the Animal Liberation Front in 1985, marking an eventuator step towards animal rights advocacy.

Project MKUltra

In the 1950s, CIA scientists initiated a series of mind-control experiments using drugs like LSD, electroshock therapy, and sound repetition. These experiments were mostly destroyed during the Watergate scandal; however, evidence suggests that citizens were subjected to these treatments without their consent.

Leo Stanley’s Experiments

Dr. Leo L. Stanley, former head of medical services at San Quentin Prison, believed that criminals lacked testosterone. In an attempt to test this theory, inmates were implanted with testicles from both human and animal sources. This unethical experiment raised serious ethical questions and suggested a disturbing disregard for human rights.

Hardening of the Skin

Trying to make soldiers' skin tougher, Albert Kligman conducted experiments on detainees, treating them as laboratory animals. Kligman injected subjects with chemicals that caused severe blisters, burns, and permanent scarring. Unfortunately, the skin did not harden as expected, but the physical and psychological toll on the participants was devastating.

The Stanford Prison Experiment

In this experiment, participants were randomly assigned to roles as prisoners or guards in a simulated jail environment. The guards quickly began to abuse the prisoners, demonstrating the power dynamics and psychological effects of such an environment. This experiment highlighted the potential for dehumanization and cruelty when given authority.

The Milgram Experiment

Participants in this experiment were told to administer electric shocks to another person when they incorrectly answered questions. The victim, an actor, pretended to receive actual shocks. Despite protests, 65% of participants continued to increase the voltage, even when the victim cried out in pain. This experiment remains controversial, illustrating the potential for people to follow orders when authority figures demand it.

The Harlow Isolation Experiment

A group of rhesus monkeys were separated from their mothers as infants, leading to severe emotional and psychological problems. This experiment raised critical questions about the importance of early bonding and attachment.

The Tuskegee Experiment

A more somber and morally reprehensible experiment involved the US Public Health Service purposefully infecting black laborers with syphilis to study its effects. Untreated, these individuals suffered severe skin disfigurements and eventually died, an unethical practice that spanned 40 years until 1970.

These experiments demonstrate the dark side of scientific exploration and remind us of the ethical responsibilities scientists and governments must uphold. They serve as cautionary tales for future researchers.