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15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Genie in a Bottle by Scwarcz, June 17, 2004
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.
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24 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Chemicals do good to!, March 24, 2002
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!
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9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A brief but enjoyable walk through Chemistry, January 29, 2006
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!
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