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

~ Joe Schwarcz (Author)

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

See all Editorial Reviews

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)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 13 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 (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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.

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!

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

By	Charles Evans "Call me Kevin" (North Carolina) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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!