For the time being, though, Mr Clute has chosen to press his argument for real fantasy through the skeins of theory, influence and resemblance that pull the unwitting browser through this magnificent encyclopedia.

ECONOMIST: Fantasists

In fact, a new study in Psychological Science by Dr. Rhodes and Lisa Chalik suggests that this intuitive social theory may even influence how children develop moral distinctions.

WSJ: Moral Puzzles That Tots Struggle With | Mind & Matter

It is not yet clear how the microbes influence weight loss, but one theory is that they have an impact on metabolism.

BBC: Bacteria find 'key to treating obesity without surgery'

One piece of evidence in favour of this theory is the growing influence of tax-free retirement plans, which have made it possible for younger workers to channel their savings into mutual funds.

ECONOMIST: Will investors run for cover?

Would companies ever be receptive to the idea of embedding journalists in their organizations to test the theory of transparency and therefore influence change?

FORBES: Move up http://i.forbesimg.com t Move down

"The whole purpose of the secrecy is to protect the cardinals from outside influence, " he said, the theory being that details of the ballot papers could expose the cardinals to repercussions or other pressures.

CNN: March 13, 2013 -- Updated 0018 GMT (0818 HKT)

The theory that genies or djinn can influence people's lives is widely accepted in Islam.

ECONOMIST: A djinn in an oil barrel

Russia has become a sort of guest member of the NATO alliance under an arrangement that will afford it considerable opportunity to influence that organization's deliberations but, in theory at least, no veto over decisions taken by the other, full- fledged members.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Bush's Russian Gamble

Once you get your zealots excited and talking, social network theory and the subsequent effects of contagion suggest that they can in turn influence 10s, 100s and 1000s of like-minded social citizens.

FORBES: Brand Passion Beats "Liking"