Science Ink: Tattoos of the Science Obsessed

by Carl Zimmer

Displaying hundreds of incredible tattoos that pay tribute to various scientific disciplines, this fascinating book, penned by a renowned science writer, reveals the stories behind the individuals who chose to permanently inscribe their obsessions in their skin and reflects on the science in question.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Art, Photography, Popular Science, Reference, Evolution

271 pages, Hardcover

First published October 4, 2011

About the author

Carl Zimmer is a columnist for the New York Times and the author of 15 books about science. His latest book is Air-Borne: The Hidden History of the Life We Breathe. Visit him at carlzimmer.com.

Reviews

[Byron 'Giggsy' Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was both cool and disappointing. The author is science editor who doesn't have any tattoos, and the book is filled with submissions from individuals, not from talented artists showing off their best science work. This leads to many odd and interesting ideas, and many tattoos you've never seen before or would imagine anyone would get, and you also get some really crappy art. Very few seem to be from an accomplished artist. Many of the individuals are graduate students or science scholars getting their first tattoo, of something that means so much to their lives. There are some cool stories to these, but they are all short as well, a few paragraphs at most. And it seems these people made the mistake of many people getting one of their first tattoos. They found a tattoo shop, went in, and got a tattoo...and failed to actually research the artist and see their work. Some really disappointing art is on display here. But the book is unique. A tattoo fan will still see works they have never seen before and a science fan will enjoy the short science background that is provided for each piece as well.

[jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow, this is truly one of the nerdiest books I've ever read. It is also extremely beautiful. it feels solid and important in your hands. The binding is beautiful, the photographs are of variable quality but the printing is top-notch. Most of the submissions are from students pursing or recently acquiring advanced science degrees, and their enthusiasm really shines through. Even if you're not a science nerd, you can appreciate the passion that exists at the intersection of permanent body modification and scientific inquiry. My only wish is that the tattoos could have been photographed consistently by a professional, so that the photos would look more like a collection.

Topics include: mathematics, physics, chemistry, astronomy, earth sciences, DNA, Darwin, paleontology, evolution, natural history, humanity, neuroscience, and finally What The Mind Makes (mostly schematics of human inventions)

This was my fave tattoo in the book. A geological cross-section found in the earth sciences section.



The foreword is by Mary Roach, who I adore, and she doesn't disappoint here. I was thrilled that she included the tattoo she would get, if she ever got one. (a diagram of a rat wearing underpants, from her research for Bonk) Interesting note: the author, Carl Zimmer, doesn't have a single tattoo himself and has no plans to get one.

With that said, I hit my 2011 reading goal with this book and I feel like I need a nap.

[Glitterbomb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, that was slightly disappointing.

Great concept- tattoos of the geeks and nerdy. Some brilliant, others terrible. All interesting and of great meaning to the individual none the less.

Great back stories, descriptions and personal meaning. If rather short.

but....

A big chunk of the photography was awful. I feel this could have been outstanding if a professional photographer had been involved.

[Emma Sea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unexpected and great: that there's a short rundown on the scientific theory/species/concept/equation illustrated in each tattoo. These were well-written and interesting, and did an excellent job of communicating the personal meaning behind each piece.

Unexpected and terrible: such bad tattoos! Because each tattoo is identified with a particular person I don't want to post images from the book, because I don't want to make people feel bad about their art. But honestly, if you're getting a tattoo, pick a good artist. Research them. Research tattoos, and how lines might change over time. That teeny, tiny, close-packed writing? Not gonna be readable soon.

Some pieces were just so awful I would cringe to admit to them. They were as if drawn and inked by a myopic six-year old.

[H (trying to keep up with GR friends) Balikov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not my form of expression, but the combination of hard science and formidable art is arresting. The book, itself, is of sufficient quality to give the reader an excellent view of the body art. And, the text is very helpful with many of the more arcane representations.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some amazing tats here. A beautiful book. The personal stories moved me. These people celebrating important milestones in their careers with depictions of the things that motivated them.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great collection of tattoos and the stories around them. There is a lot of explanation about the history of science and the inspiration around why some scientists get tattoos.One story and tattoo hit home. It was about a med school graduate that got the Staff of Asclepius. Her design was very simple and small. I also have the Staff of Asclepius tattooed on me. It is on my calf and was done to honor medicine and as a celebration of the completion of residency. I also enjoyed the story around Asclepius and the reason that this symbol is the symbol of medicine and not the Caduceus (though that is widely believed).

[Stella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm waffling on this one between three and four stars. As other reviewers have noted, the photos aren't always the best of every tattoo...some are in shadow or slightly out of focus...and some of the tattoos just aren't that great, or weren't done by a particularly good artist. But some of the tattoos are really incredible, and seeing them all together in this collection is quite fascinating. But what I liked best is the articles ABOUT the tattoos...because the author explains the science and sentimentality of each tattoo for its bearer.

[Fyrrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ocena: 3
Wrażenia: Zbiór nerdowskich tatuaży, informacji o ich znaczeniu i powodach wydziarania sobie akurat np. wzoru chemicznego kofeiny. Czemu 3? Bo niektóre zdjęcia robione ziemniakiem, chciałabym je zobaczyć w lepszej jakości i oświetleniu.
Dla kogo: Drzewo życia z DNA mnie urzekło, też chcę!

[Andres · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an awesome book for mixing the art of tattoo with the geeky glee of science.

Similar in concept to this collection of literary tattoos but completely different in execution, this is more than just a collection of pictures of tattoos with a scientific bent---it also includes accessible explanations of the various equations, concepts or animals depicted, along with a little (or a lot) about the person the tattoo belongs to and why it is meaningful to them. (The 'Entropy' entry is especially memorable.)

It's the combination of picture, explanation, and back story that makes this book such a unique and wonderful find. The essence and importance of a tattoo is the meaning it has to the owner/wearer, and the stronger the importance the more meaningful and interesting it will be. (This puts to shame, of course, the more bland and less thought out tattoos that people may get when it's just a spur of the moment, maybe drunken, decision. Sure, a skull may look cool but it certainly has more meaning when it's an anthropologist getting it rather than a knucklehead who thinks it looks "bad ass"!)

The hardback cover with hexagonal, heptagonal, and decagonal cutouts (revealing bits of tattoos) and pseudo-cloth red colored spine covering make this book look and feel pretty darn snazzy in your hands and on your bookshelf. To boot, it has full color picture endpapers, a regular index along with a visual index, a forward by Mary Roach, and the fact that some of the money from book sales will go towards a good cause... well, this is guilt-free purchase for anyone who has a healthy combined love for tattoos and science.

[Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's the first thing you ask someone when you see their tattoo? If you don't have any tattoos it's probably, "did it hurt?" The follow is often something like, "Does it mean something? " or "Why'd you get that? "

Carl Zimmer addresses that second question for hundreds of science themed tattoos in this book, which is fascinating and inspirational to someone like me with an interest in both tattoos and science.

The book itself is beautiful so kudos to the art director who said people will pay for cut outs on the cover.

My one issue with this work is that the photography looks like a mixture of professional and amateur work. Had this been a book I paid for (instead of checked out) I'd feel let down.

Another important note, feel free to let anyone look through this piece, because if this book is in indication of the trend, scientific tattoos are placed in significantly less risqué areas on the body compared to the traditional tattoo collection.

PS Mary Roach wrote the forward so that was reason enough for me to take a look.

[Shanlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this as a gift for several friends who teach or work in science—they all loved it. The concept is unique: it explores each person’s path through design and meaning, making it both quirky and fascinating—a fine character study through objects.

Is it a must-read? A niche gem? A perfect gift? Honestly, it could be all three.

If you come across this book, grab it—you likely won’t be disappointed. While it might read more like a coffee table book or quick browse, it’s still deeply satisfying. Visually, the palette could be bolder, and some photos feel a bit flat, but the overall presentation and vibe are solid.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found out about this book, wanted it, contacted the publisher and got a free copy to review! Woohoo! This is the first time I've been the initiator in getting a review copy of a book, and I was pretty proud of myself.

And I loved it! I never would have guessed that a tattoo book would be such an enjoyable way to learn about science. Carl Zimmer explains concepts simply and clearly.

Blue bookcase review here: http://thebluebookcase.blogspot.com/2...

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that could be shown to people such as my father who believe that tattoos are only the province of former prisoners and prostitutes. The folks bearing this ink are scientists and MDs, mathematicians and professors.

That said, while some of the tattoos are beautiful, many are surprisingly poorly done. I was rather taken aback by this.

The trouble with tattoo books is that the human body, with all its flaws, serves as a canvas. I don't like looking at up-close pictures of hairy backs and legs, moles and freckles, paunch and wrinkles.

[Raphael Rosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I have no interest in getting a tattoo, but I love the idea of getting an image of a trilobite, or an equation, or Darwin's finches permanently marked on one's skin. Some of the tattoos are technically amazing: one person had a tattoo of Francisco Goya's etching, _The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters._ It looked amazing, and is one of the coolest tattoos I have ever seen. Kudos to all involved!

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book! I love Zimmer's other books, but this is something special. Photos of scientific tattoos are accompanied by the tattoo-ee's statement about the personal meaning of the tattoo, followed by a cogent explanation of the science underlying the tattoo by Zimmer. I have to buy a copy of this. Highly recommended for geeks of all stripes.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a lot of smart people with some real cool tattoos. Written by two of may favorite science writers-- Mary Roach (introduction) and Carl Zimmer. It offers a microreview of the life sciences. I am really impressed with the amount of reflection that many of the people in the book placed when designing their tattoos.

[Sagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of science-inspired tattoos, with short essays explaining the scientific principle behind it and, in some cases, the personal aspect as to why people chose these tattoos. It was an inspiring read and I loved reading about the passion people had for their studies. Really, this is the sort of book that makes me want to go to grad school.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. While the quality of the tattoos themselves wasn't always extraordinary, the stories and little anecdotes made the book interesting and educational. I learned a decent amount about math and physics. The forward from Mary Roach was delightful.

[Mish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aside from a very small number of typos, reading about the math, physics, and other related meanings behind these tattoos was enough to remind me I want another one. It was also a quick lesson in science, math, and history as well. A fabulous collection of fine-looking tattoos!

[Grace]

DNF ~10%

I really liked the concept of this one, but just couldn't get into it. I wish the photos and tattoos themselves were a but higher quality--I understand why they weren't, but it definitely detracted a bit from the book...

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best tattoo book of 2011.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book. Well written. But they could have been more selective with the tattoos. A lot of them are really bad. The ideas are interesting, but the photos where often pretty disappointing.

[Lee-ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

that was so much fun!

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingly nerdy tattoos with great stories behind each one. Loved this book.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

"So, my tattoo [of Darwin's first phylogeny from Notebook B, complete with the notation 'I think'] honors Darwin, the father of my field; it represents my own personal research; and it exemplifies the slight hesitation and excitement of scientific discovery that I hope will stay with me always as I launch my scientific career. It is a mark of confidence, in myself, and in my chosen profession. I have no doubt that I will never regret permanently etching this image on my skin, and I know that it will serve as a reminder to me that even though the pursuit of scientific knowledge is a long, sometimes daunting journey, I love what I do and I can't imagine doing anything else."
- Caitlin Fischer-Reid, as quoted in Science Ink: Tattoos of the Science Obsessed by Carl Zimmer

I'd forgotten I owned this until I recently unearthed it from behind an awkwardly placed bookshelf!

This was a really nice book to revisit. It chronicles a bunch of science tattoos submitted to the author (a science journalist) usually by people working in the field (though there are one or two by science enthusiasts, as well). The tattoos are roughly grouped by field, shown via a submitted photo (or, for the more complex tattoos, series of photos), and has a small blurb of accompanying explanation (usually about half a page explaining what the tattoo is of, why it's important in a particular field, and the personal meaning/symbolism that led a person to get it permanently inked onto their body).

As other reviewers have pointed out, this is not an art book; if one comes to this book assuming all the tattoos are gorgeous works of art, they will probably be disappointed by most of the photos. The tattoos clearly vary in age, talent of the tattoo artist, and how good the photo is (because none of these photos were taken professionally). Personally, I think most of the tattoos are good - they're certainly interesting to look at - but even the first time I read this book I didn't come to it expecting glossy photos of top-tier tattoos. I picked up the book and reread it when I found it again because of the things like the abovequoted sentiment; I wanted to know about what scientists thought was important and what it meant to them. In that way, Science Ink is a smash-hit with me. I love it, have recommended it to friends (one of whom has already asked to borrow it), and recommend it to others in general.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great idea, iffy execution. First of all, the photos. It looks like the author just published the contributors’ personal pics. Therefore, the quality varies greatly. Ok for blog posts, not so great for a book of photos. I would have loved better quality pics of most of this ink.

Next, the tattoos themselves. Some of them were not the best art I’ve seen. Didn’t see any scratchers, but the majority are just your basic tattoos. Nothing spectacular aside from the subject matter. Just because you have a cool idea for a tattoo doesn’t make it book worthy unless the artist does something fabulous with it. This wouldn’t be a big deal except that coupled with the less than stellar photography, it makes the book fall flat. That said, I realize the author himself does not have any ink, so maybe he’s just not the best judge of quality of tattoos or photos of them.

Finally, the text. Some weird phrasing and TONS of typos. This book would have benefitted from an editor and a proofreader. I did read an ebook so maybe things got messed up in translation. Still, could have been fixed before publication.

[Lorissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was an extremely fun read just like I expected. I am fascinated by tattoos and the stories behind them.

I personally don't have any tattoos, nor do I have any plans for any in the future but I still really enjoy the thought of someone loving something so much that they would have it permanently drawn onto their body.

the science aspect to this book was really interesting because I am not a scientist or mathematician and some of these concepts were pretty foreign to me until the description from the person who believed the concept applied so strongly to their life explained it in the passage about their tattoo. That was an invaluable relatable little tidbit of science which was fun.

My favorite tattoo and explanation was the caffeine tattoo.

I do feel like this book would have been better done if it had been photographed by a professional and the tattoos have been screened for quality work. As a visual artist myself I was disappointed in the aesthetic qualities of many of the tattoos. The science and stories were great though.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pleasantly surprised at the representation of people featured in the book (i.e. it's not just white dudes). The photos themselves are of course intriguing, but I also thought the fact that the author featured little snippets of what the people thought of their tattoos / explanation of why they got it, along with a condensed summary of the science the tattoo represented, is very well done. The organization was a little confusing at first, because at first there was mathematics and then chemistry so I thought each "chapter" is basically a field of research, but then there's no biology chapter but a chapter on DNA and a separate chapter for Darwin so I guess the author was trying to classify them to balance out the number of photos in each chapter rather than systematic classification.

[Kristine Gibbs-Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book has an interesting premise, and I do like learning more about tattoo culture (having quite a few myself). That being said, I found the writing style rather dry and long-winded. Winding explanations of the science behind the symbols, but not enough focus on the stories of those who chose the tattoos themselves. Based on the summary on the back, I was expecting the opposite when I sat down to read it.