List of discredited substances

This page forms a list of substances or materials which either were believed to exist at one time but aren't anymore, or are believed to exist as part of a theory which has not been generally accepted by mainstream science.

These substances are often part of an obsolete scientific theory.

There is a separate list of fictional chemical substances which are the complete invention of various movies, television, novels, comic books, etc.

• Aether
• Caloric
• The four classical elements:
  • Fire (classical element)
  • Water (classical element)
  • Earth (classical element)
  • Air (classical element)
• Elixir of Youth
• The Five Elements of Taoism:
  • Fire (classical element)
  • Water (classical element)
  • Air (classical element)
  • Metal (classical element)
  • Wood (classical element)
• The four bodily humours: Blood, Phlegm, Black Bile, & Yellow Bile
• The N-rays of René-Prosper Blondlot
• The orgone energy of Wilhelm Reich
• Philosophers' stone
• Phlogiston
• Polywater
• Red mercury
• Snake oil
• Universal panacea