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

by 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
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Review

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

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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: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #905,678 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!, January 20, 2004

By A Customer

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

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 stories. I recommend this book to everyone with any interest in science.

18 of 24 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!

5 of 6 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!