The Fly in the Ointment: 70 Fascinating Commentaries on the Science of Everyday Life

by Joe Schwarcz and Joseph Schwarcz

Book Overview

Dr. Joe Schwarcz breaks down the fascinating chemistry all around us in this intriguing look at everyday science From pesticides and environmental estrogens to lipsticks and garlic, the science that surrounds us can be mystifying. Why do some people drill holes in their heads for "enlightenment"? How did a small chemical error nearly convict the unfortunate Patricia Stallings for murdering her son? Where does the expression "take a bromide" come from?...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1550226215
• ISBN13: 9781550226218
• Release Date: August 2004
• Publisher: ECW Press
• Length: 298 Pages
• Weight: 0.96 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.4" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

I loved this book!

A great book that gives a reliable, skeptical, and logical look at many different ideas, partially or completely incorrect, that people have developed on scientific topics. One of the best books I have read in some time. I will be using the information gained in my classroom.

Science Thriller

Could not put it down! Fascinating! Should be mandatory in schools and colleges.

Dr. Joe, a definite go!

I'm hooked on Joe's books! As a senior chemistry teacher in B.C., I find the gooddoctor's articles a great stimulus for discussions with, and research by, my students.If you have not enjoyed the interesting, informative and entertaining writings ofDr. Schwarcz, I suggest you do so soon! This is chemistry we can all relate to!

A fun, educational leisure choice

What is the truth about taking garlic supplements to ward off illness and cure common diseases? What is the relationship between moldy corn and a movie? How do quacks popularize their theories, and what science is involved in corporate crime? These and other questions reveal the mysteries of science, using lively and popular topics to point out the scientific theories, quirks and misconceptions in everyday beliefs. A fun, educational leisure choice for general-interest audiences, The Fly in the Ointment: 63 Fascinating Commentaries on the Science of Everyday Life joins other similar science trivia fact guides by the venerable doctor.

Fascinating and a Bit Irritating

This is much more than just a standard book of a scientist's essays intended to correct the flood of science misinformation to which we are relentlessly exposed. The essays are quite timely, mostly accurate in my view, and written with flair. If you liked the book "Innumeracy", or enjoy Bill Bryson, you will certainly enjoy this book, and will likely find it to be usefully educational. An annoying typesetting feature in this book caught my eye, and may irritate you as well. The publisher (or author) seem unable to state the abbreviation "US" (for United States) in genuine capital letters, and the two letters repeatedly appear in a small font. No other country name or abbreviation is printed in this odd manner. The effect is strange, especially when it appears in a name such as "us Pharmacopeia." This is either a Canadian typesetting convention (to which I have not before been exposed), or a not-so-subliminal expression of mild contempt for the neighbor to the south. I mention this because it did distract from my enjoyment of the book (which I had to put down several times while shaking my head in disbelief at the oddity of this typesetting approach), and forewarned, maybe you'll be able to enjoy the book a bit more. Overall, this is well worth reading, and I intend to read the author's previous books. I'm sure the science will be very interesting (and who knows what typesetting surprises await).