Science Askew

Simanek, Donald E; Holden, John.

"If harmless humour … makes you laugh, then you'll love this book by retired scientists Donald Simanek and John Holden. Their collection of nursery rhymes turned into turgid scientific prose is found amidst an array of puns, stories, jokes, and quotes that the authors have brought together after a lifetime in science to show that it is not always a serious business."-Matin Durrani, Physics World"Science Askew is a very funny book, especially to mathematicians and physicists. Open it anywhere and you'll find some belly laughs not only in the text but also in the clever cartoons by John Holden. All of the classic jokes are here, as well as a thousand more you haven't heard before."-Martin Gardner, mathemagician"Simanek and Holden have cleverly disguised this book as an anthology of humor, while inserting gems of scientific wisdom and philosophy among the jibes. I think that science teachers can discover here subtle ways of teaching facts and principles, and improving the flavour and aroma of otherwise dull rules and discoveries. Knowledge, however lubricated or polished, is a commodity we should pursue. It need not be boring; proof of that assertion is found in Science Askew."-James Randi, investigator of paranormal claims"Every page is a delightful spoof. I expect to refer to it frequently."-James A. Van Allen, space physicist

• 1. The March of Science 2. Scientists have Principles 3. Physics 4. The Ideal Scientific Equipment Company 5. Cartoons 6. Geology 7. Perpetual Motion 8. Biology 9. Environmental Sciences 10. Mind Sciences 11. History of Science as it Wasn’t 12. Pseudoscience 13. The Emperor’s New Clothes 14. Mathematics 15. Statistics is a Chancy Business 16. Sam Schwartz 17. Engineering 18. Computer Science 19. Cutting-Edge Science 20. Research 21. Limericks