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

~ Joe Schwarcz (Author)
4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)


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  Paperback, June 30, 2002 $12.92 $7.39 $7.22

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Editorial Reviews

Review

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


Review

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

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: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.com Sales Rank: #421,955 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

9 Reviews
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 (5)
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Average Customer Review
4.4 out of 5 stars (9 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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11 of 13 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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21 of 27 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
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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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A brief but enjoyable walk through Chemistry, January 29, 2006
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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Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Chemistry made entertaining and interesting for the masses
This is a fun little book that is exactly what the sub-heading on the book says it is: 67 commentaries on the fascinating chemistry of everyday life. Read more
Published 8 months ago by K. Eckert

3.0 out of 5 stars Nice to know
This book contains more than five dozen articles each describing some chemical substance, how it was discovered and how it became useful. Read more
Published on April 22, 2007 by J. de Berchoux

5.0 out of 5 stars Facinating stories on everyday chemistry
This is not a typical chemistry book. Dr. Schwarcz has several interesing stories such at the background of Thalidomide and the origin of the term "snake oil". Read more
Published on March 2, 2006 by Peter M. Lum

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun book, enjoyable book, but not relevant to my needs...
I am teach chemistry 110 and beginning lab classes for chemistry in our local community college. As my background is mainly in human biology and neuroscience, I've been boning up... Read more
Published on November 26, 2005 by K. L Sadler

4.0 out of 5 stars For fun and useful information you can't beat Dr. Joe Schwarcz
If you would like to know what the things around you are made of, read Joe Schwarcz' entertaining books. Read more
Published on October 23, 2005 by maryann davenport

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!
This is one of the best popular science books I have ever read, and the best chemistry book. Dr Schwarz explains numerous chemistry topics amidst a background of truly interesting... Read more
Published on January 20, 2004

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