The Fly in the Ointment: 70 Fascinating Commentaries on the Science of Everyday Life

Dr. Joe Schwarcz

May 2004 · ECW Press

About this ebook

This entertaining examination of everyday science from the fanciful to the factual covers topics ranging from pesticides and environmental estrogens to lipsticks and garlic. Readers are alerted to the shenanigans of quacks and are offered glimpses into the fascinating history of science. The science of aphrodisiacs, DDT, bottled waters, vitamins, barbiturates, plastic wraps, and smoked meat is investigated. Worries about acrylamide, preservatives, and waxed fruits are put into perspective, and the mysteries of bulletproof vests, weight loss diets, green-haired Swedes, laughing gas, and “mad honey” are unraveled. Even those with very little knowledge of science will come away informed and delighted at those humorous and accessible explanations.

About the author

Dr. Joe Schwarcz is the director of McGill University’s Office for Science and Society. He is the author of Dr. Joe & What You Didn't Know; The Genie in the Bottle; The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs; Radar, Hula Hoops and Playful Pigs; and That’s the Way the Cookie Crumbles. “Dr. Joe” has a weekly radio program and column in the Montreal Gazette called “The Right Chemistry.” He lives in Montreal, Quebec.