The Genie in the Bottle: 64 All New Commentaries on the Fascinating Chemistry of Everyday Life [Hardcover]

Joe Schwarcz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 25, 2001

Think of the word "chemistry." What comes to mind? "Difficult?" "Boring?" "Pollution?" The adjectives "Interesting," "Exciting," "Amazing" almost never roll of the tongue. Until, that is, one picks up The Genie in the Bottle. In 67 delightful essays, popular science writer Joe Schwarcz reminds us that with every breath and feeling we are experiencing chemistry. A sequel to Schwarcz’s best-selling Radar, Hula Hoops, and Playful Pigs, this collection of essays blends quirky anecdotes about everyday chemistry with engaging tales from the history of science. Inside, readers will . . .

Get a different twist on licorice and travel to the dark side of the sun. Control stinky feet and bend spoons and minds. Learn about the latest on chocolate research, flax, ginkgo biloba, magnesium, and blueberries. Read about the ups of helium and the downs of drain cleaners. Find out why bug juice is used to color ice cream, how spies used secret inks and how acetone changed the course of history. "Dr. Joe" also solves the mystery of the exploding shrimp and, finally, he lets us in on the secret of the genie in the bottle.

Infused with the author’s humor, show-biz savvy, and magic, The Genie in the Bottle celebrates some of the least visited corners of the science universe.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Joe Schwarcz's magic is in convincing us that there is verve and value in real chemistry."—Roald Hoffman, Nobel Laureate

From the Publisher

Let "Dr. Joe" heal what ails ya The Genie in the Bottle makes science downright fun. Dr. Joe Schwarcz blends quirky anecdotes about everyday chemistry with engaging tales from the history of science. Get a different twist on licorice and travel to the dark side of the sun. Control stinky feet and bend spoons and minds. Learn about the latest on chocolate research, flax, ginkgo biloba, magnesium, and blueberries. Read about the ups of helium and the downs of drain cleaners. Find out why bug juice is used to colour ice cream, how spies used secret inks, and how acetone changed the course of history. It's all there! "Dr. Joe" also solves the mystery of the exploding shrimp and, finally, he lets us in on the secret of the genie in the bottle. The author's first book, Radar, Hula Hoops and Playful Pigs, was a 1999 best-seller inada. The author is a charismatic public speaker and notable crowd-pleaser. His fans call him "Dr. Joe" and he always brings humour, show-biz savvy, and magic to his work. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: W. H. Freeman; 1st edition (June 25, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0716746018
• ISBN-13: 978-0716746010
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.8 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,495,660 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Genie in a Bottle by Scwarcz, June 17, 2004

By 

Joseph S. Maresca "Dr. Joseph S. Maresca CPA,... (Bronxville, New York USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Genie in the Bottle: 64 All New Commentaries on the Fascinating Chemistry of Everyday Life (Hardcover)

This book demonstrates how seemingly impractical ideas made it
into implementation in the areas of organic and inorganic
chemistry. At first, silly puddy was deemed an impractical
idea with very little commercial application outside the
laboratory. It turned out to be a multi-million dollar idea.
Baking soda was not seen as a practical idea initially, although
most homes have it today. The concept of drinking urine to
heal arthritis was deemed to be bizarre; however, there is
some scientific validity to the concept according to the author.
Arthritis may be relieved by keeping raisins in gin for 9 days.
GLA, primrose oil and chicken cartilage are all helpful
complementary strategies to controlling arthritis. Vaseline
oil was not seen as a great idea initially. Its inventor,
Robert Chesebrough created an enduring legacy with the product.
Chlorinated drinking water saved millions from bacterial diseases. This work describes many of the most promising inventions and processes in chemistry. It would be a perfect
reference for a student project. The book is a good value for the price charged. Its contents could make great conversation
at any dinner table.

23 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chemicals do good to!, March 24, 2002

By 

"cjad19" (Cambridge, MA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Genie in the Bottle: 64 All New Commentaries on the Fascinating Chemistry of Everyday Life (Hardcover)

This is an excellent book for anyone interested in knowing a little more about chemicals and their place in the world. Through his stories, Schwarcz explains how chemicals are used in our everyday lives and how very often they are given a "negative impact" as not being natural. He shows how media and others have made chemicals appear to always be bad yet at the same time these agencies neglect the overwhelming good of chemistry! This book is not about bashing media but rather to inform the reader of the global story and the truth about many of the so-called "toxins" in our world. It is a truly interesting book that is light hearted in its style so that it will please both the scientist as well as the non-scientist!
Finally, if you ever get to see "The Magic of Chemistry" or take "The World of Chemistry" course at McGill ... they are also highly recommended!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A brief but enjoyable walk through Chemistry, January 29, 2006

By 

Charles Evans "Call me Kevin" (North Carolina) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Genie in the Bottle: 67 All-New Commentaries on the Fascinating Chemistry of Everyday Life (Paperback)

Here is a book for everyone who has a natural scientific curiosity - a well-written and entertaining look at the chemistry of everyday life. Dr. Schwarz has taken Chemistry, food and magic tricks and rolled them all together in order to create an entertaining read.

To name just a few of the topics covered.

While cooking peas- how can you make them more GREEN - and why does it work

The chemical benefits of flax seed oil

Why magicians can NOT bend things with thought power alone.

The history of Mercury poisoning

Why things are "hot" to taste and how this can be used against bugs


As you can see the list of topics is both broad and entertaining. Amazingly, Dr. Schwarz does not get us caught up in very in-depth chemical equations/reactions. This is book written for someone with scientific curiosity not necessary a Masters in Science!

I definitely recommend "The Genie in the Bottle" - and I also give it as an endorsement to be used as bed time stories to your children, for it is these types of short essays on chemistry that may spark the love of the sciences in your child!