The Best of Annals of Improbable Research - Softcover

Abrahams, Marc

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0716730944 ISBN 13: 9780716730941

Publisher: W. H. Freeman, 1997

Synopsis

Takes a humorous look at science and research, discussing studies involving the mickymouse gene, the effects of peanut butter on the rotation of the earth, fifty ways to love your liver, and failure of electric shock treatment for rattlesnake envenomation

About this title

Review:

"Science is too human, too much fun, and too important not to laugh at it." The Annals of Improbable Research (and its predecessor, the Journal of Irreproducible Results) has been making fun of science and scientists for decades. This latest compendium includes a listing of the Ig Nobel prizes, annually awarded "for scientific achievements which cannot or should not be reproduced," and some of the prizewinning papers, such as "Failure of Electric Shock Treatment for Rattlesnake Envenomation" and "Of Mites and Man." There are also plenty of groundbreaking original studies from AIR: "How Dead Is a Doornail?" "Furniture Airbags," and "The Medical Effects of Kissing Boo-Boos." As the book's warning label states, the result is a highly reactive mix: "Contents are unexpectedly educational and informative, especially in patients who suffer allergic reactions to science, technology, literature, or art. Can be highly addictive." Let the buyer beware. --Mary Ellen Curtin

About the Author:

Marc Abrahams is the editor and co-founder of the Annals of Improbable Research.

About this edition

• Publisher: W. H. Freeman
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0716730944
• ISBN 13: 9780716730941
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 224