Bauer aptly points out that dismissing something out of hand is hardly scientific. He remains fair and logical, noting that science has itself pursued some red herrings like N Rays and dismissed some genuine discoveries like ball lightning. He also admonishes those in anomalistics to be more honest about the charlatans and hucksters in their ranks. None of this will turn non-believers into believers or vice versa, but it does clarify the issues and make for interesting reading. Science or Pseudoscience contains several interesting though dry dissections of mainstream science's accidents, hypocrisies, and hasty condemnations.
Several flaws hinder the book's overall energy.
Bauer tackles each subject methodically. Subject headings are used regularly and much comparing and contrasting is done. Although clear, this style falls far short of lively, which is surprising given the variety of fascinating subjects. Also, Bauer too often refers to something interesting like a group's schism or a hoax but instead of providing details, he refers to his bibliography. Under the broad scope of Science or Pseudoscience some issues inevitably get left out.