Kyrie's Genie in The Bottle

 

            Joe Schwarcz’s The Genie in the Bottle is a very interesting book which covers many topics in chemistry.  It presents simple, yet convincing examples for everyone to understand.  Therefore, the book helped clarify materials that were once ambiguous.

Schwarcz explained how the sun’s ultra violet rays severely damaged the human skin.  Step by step, he explained how the skins proteins and elasticity would break down which consequently led to its after effects – skin cancer.

            Another commentary he made was about how pain killers such as aspirin.  For example, if aspirin was taken on a daily basis, it could reduce the possibilities of cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction.  Although people knew how aspirin worked, Schwarcz view on this topic has helped others understand the whole concept of it. 

Schwarcz brought up the intriguing history of licorice. Today, many people view licorice as a treat; however, they were not aware of the fact that it was made from a plant which was used for coughs and digestive problems in ancient times.

            He also explained how chocolate contains higher polyphenol than fruits, vegetables, and red wine. Polyphenol is an antioxidant helps prevent the oxidation of human LDL. However, overdose of LDL could cause cardiovascular diseases.

            One last interesting commentary made was how the chemical characteristic in glue depends on the moisture in the air for it to “stick” properly. He explained how the chemical in glue – cyanoacrylates needs humidity to activate their sticky bonds to hold objects together.

            Overall, this book definitely illustrates that there is more to chemistry than people have ever imagined. In such an intriguing way of reading chemistry, many would say that Schwarcz’s book The Genie in the Bottle “would be hard to put down.”