The Book of Scientific Anecdotes 0879758066, 9780879758066

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SCIENTIFIC

The Book of

SCIENTIFIC ANECDOTES What do the discovery of the coffee bean,

the invention of the aqualung, the perception of the importance of the size of the moon, the conquest of smallpox, and

supersonic flight all have in common? They are milestones in the history of science, a saga that began before the ancient Greeks and one that will continue for thousands of years to come. These and other fascinating stories about several of the world’s most important inventions and discoveries are featured in The Book of Scientific Anecdotes. This witty, informative, and highly read-

able collection includes more than sixty anecdotes chosen and edited by science writer Adrian Berry. Divided into eleven sections, the book

covers topics ranging from man’s exploration of the world—and space—to the revolution in communications,

scientific

martyrs, and “bogus science.” It contains (continued on back flap)

The Book of

SCIENTIFIC ANECDOTES

Edited and Introduced by

Adrian Berry

Prometheus Books ¢ Buffalo, New York

To Laurence

Published 1993 by Prometheus Books

The Book of Scientific Anecdotes. Copyright © 1989, 1993 by Adrian Berry. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. Inquiries should be addressed to Prometheus Books, 59 John Glenn Drive, Buffalo, New York 14228-

2197, 716-837-2475 (FAX: 716-835-6901).

97 96 95 9493

54321 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

The book of scientific anecdotes / edited and introduced by Adrian Berry. Ree on Includes bibliographical references and index. Originally published: London: Harrap Books Ltd. ISBN 0-87975-806-6 (cloth) ISBN 0-87975-836-8 (paper) 1. Science—Anecdotes. 2. Science—Humor. 3. Science—History. I. Berry, Adrian. Q167.B66 1993 500—dc20 9244255 CIP

Printed on acid-free paper in the United States of America.

THE GOOD effects wrought by founders of cities, law-givers, fathers of the people, extirpers of tyrants, and heroes of that class, extend but for short times; whereas the work of the

Inventor, though a thing of less pomp and show, is felt everywhere and lasts for ever. — Francis Bacon

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