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Note added at 18 mins (2005-07-23 10:37:14 GMT)
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Reference: [..]Fads are also to be found in the more serious aspects of life. Diet, which should normally be a matter of some forethought, is often made the vehicle of faddism. Our beliefs about art, literature, morals, and social questions are also subject to waves of faddism. Bizarre or eccentric views on questions of religion, politics, or economic and social welfare may pass current in certain circles for a time and then give way to others, perhaps equally unwarranted or unusual. Even the field of science is not free from faddist notions. A new method of brushing the teeth, a much recommended \"psychic\" or \"hygienic\" treatment for indigestion or colds or various other ills, may gain a good deal of currency before its uselessness is discovered. Certain authors and forms of art become \"the rage.\" Some years ago every one was reading historical romances. Later it was the \"problem\" novel. Recently the small town novel held sway. Cubism had its day; also free verse. Formerly dentists did much more indiscriminate tooth-drawing than is at present the case[...] from: http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~lward/Bernard/1926/1926_35.html