The New York Times Book of Science Questions & Answers: 200 of the Best, Most Intriguing and Just Plain Bizarre Inquiries Into Everyday Scientific Mys

by C. Claiborne Ray

Why is glass transparent? Why do cats purr? Why do men have nipples? These are but a handful of the thousands of questions that over the years have been asked and answered in The New York Times "Science Q&A" column. At last, the best and most interesting questions-and their replies-have been collected in a book for general readers. From wild animals to outdoor vegetation, from the human body to the heavens above, The New York Times Book of Science...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 038548660X
• ISBN13: 9780385486606
• Release Date: May 1997
• Publisher: Anchor Books
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

The astonishing facts behind our everyday mysteries.

This well-written and easy-to-understand book answers two hundred of the most interesting, curious and bizarre questions ever published in The New York Times' "Science Q & A" column, giving us an entertaining and informative look at the most fascinating and wonderful inquiries ever posed by inquisitive minds about the world we live in. This compendium includes topics that range from astronomy, biology, anatomy and physics to nutrition, common sense, wilderness survival and even urban legends, all neatly organized in easy-to-browse sections that are delightfully illustrated by the witty and sometimes hilarious drawings that were originally published in the newspaper. As a bonus, the section titled Notes located at the back of the book, lists the source(s) used to answer each question. So, if you want to know whether the are any one-eyed animals or why a magnet loses its power overtime, where dust comes from or why bruises change color, what makes a Mexican jumping bean jump or why spoiled cans of food swell, then this is the book for you. It's a must-read, fact-filled, fun reference for readers of all ages, be it a science enthusiast or just someone who isn't afraid to ask life's most unconventional questions. --Reviewed by Maritza Volmar

all the questions answered that you were afraid to ask

As a science teacher, I always have to be prepared to answer questions from left field. This book has many of the commonly asked questions that you won't find in a textbook. It's well wriiten and easy to understand--and entertaining too!

100 of the World's Strangest Mysteries

It was a wonderful book! It was very informative. I didn't even know i wanted to know that much.