Dr. Joe & What You Didn't Know: 177 Fascinating Questions About the Chemistry of Everyday Life

by Joe Schwarcz

From Beethoven's connection to plumbing to why rotten eggs smell like sulfur, the technical explanations included in this scientific primer tackle 99 chemistry-related questions and provide answers designed to inform and entertain. What jewelry metal is prohibited in some European countries? What does Miss Piggy have to do with the World Cup? How can a cockroach be removed from a human ear? The quirky information offered incorporates scientific savvy, practical advice, and amusing anecdotes.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Chemistry, School

272 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2003

About the author

Dr. Joe Schwarcz holds a PhD in chemistry and is host of the radio program The Dr. Joe Show, directo of McGill University's Office for Science & Society and the author of fourteen bestselling books. Well known for his informative and entertaining lectures, Dr. Schwarcz has received numerous awards for teaching and deciphering science for the public.

Reviews

[Ella Moody · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like it, if I was reading it for fun it would be a 1star. But, for a school book, it was a 3star simply for the short chapters and maybe I'll retain some things.

[Richard Thompson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a book of short segments about chemistry in everyday life. It's television sound bite quality material, somewhat amusing and sometimes surprising but totally forgettable and shalllow. Of the 177 questions and answers, I have probably already forgotten 150, though a few things stuck with me, like the Shetland Islanders using Stormy Petrels as candles because of the high oil content of their bodies and Admiral Nelson's body being shipped back from Trafalgar in a barrel of brandy. Dr. Joe has a chatty TV scientist style of writing that sometimes made me smile, but mostly didn't help the presentation. I wish that there were more popular science books about chemistry at a level a bit more rigorous than this one. This one is definitely science lite.

[Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

too much chemistry. statements re vit b12 are inaccurate raising my concern that other statements of his are likewise his opinion and not backed by evidence.

[Mario Streger · Rating 3 out of 5]

The questions are not really about “everyday life” as the title suggests. I’ve never seen a bombardier beetle (question 17) and a cockroach surely never entered my ear, and I don’t know anyone who had this problem (question 18).

[Sarahtar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh. Would make a good back of the toilet book if we still did those. Lots of oblique sex jokes, which I really could have done without.

It was ok. Probably would have been better reading one a day or one a week, rather than in chunks, which is how I read it.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for 9th grade Chemistry. Some of the facts were really interesting but I think it could have been delivered in a better format (more art or funny quips?). As it was, it was more dry than it needed to be.

[Ahlam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Witty quirky chemistry explanations for every day phenomenon. Love his style and the ease with which he delivers concepts!

[Drmkk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting. Kind of random. A bit tedious.

[Dagnija · Rating 3 out of 5]

very punny

[Genine Franklin-Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting & informative - to be read in small doses i liked it for bathroom reading. I'm quite old, so spend a lot of time there.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun and interesting science facts

[Adele Lorow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one and found the little facts very interesting

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for science this year and ended up really enjoying it. I was able to learn so many different and interesting things. (Some things I didn't even know existed!!!)

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic conversation piece if ever there was one written about the world around us and the fascinating chemical relationships between seemingly unrelated items. Schwarcz brings to his manuscript a crackling sense of humor and rapier wit that often leaves readers feeling the tiniest bit ashamed that he or she didn't know the answers to the often bizarre questions heading each succeeding chapter. But then again, did you really want to know that your maraschino cherries are colored by bug juice?

[Autumn Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book intriguing and interesting! It is full of many fascinating facts. Each question has a relatively short answer - a few paragraphs- which makes the book feel manageable. Unfortunately, it is written from a Biblical Worldview, so have caution with mentions of evolution, billions of years etc. Also a few questions pertaining to subjects some people may find slightly inappropriate.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chemistry-based factoids for your perusal. Easy to read and gives you the science as well as a little story so that you don't nod off. If you like 'The Disappearing Spoon', 'Napoleon's Buttons', 'Eaten by a Giant Clam', or 'Dry Storage No. 1’ you'll like this.

[Kimba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of course I am skipping around and enjoying this.

[Brendan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting , fun

[bubblegumpopper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. Joe makes science both accessible and fun. This book is filled with fascinating tidbits that you'll be able to impress people with at parties.