Len Fisher

how to dunk a doughnut

Actually the question is more about dunking biscuits - how do you soften them without them collapsing into your coffee. The author has researched the question and found that the best solution is to use a biscuit with something to hold it together in the middle. There's a chapter on how to estimate your supermarket bill as you go along - interestingly the author's first method did very badly and his wife's was much more successful. Why does a boomerang come back? The book is full of such questions and how the author investigated them, and I found it a highly enjoyable read.

The final chapter on 'the physics of sex' no doubt will appeal to the teenage market, but it might make anyone thinking of giving the book as a gift think twice.

But there's a paradox here. The author has been mildly rebuked by the media for invading our everyday lives with science, but what sort of R&D do they think large food companies are doing? The book seems to be about finding a novel area to apply science to, and so appeal to non-scientists, but that isn't the case. Indeed most of the chapters are based on talks given to groups of scientists or to school science clubs. Hence I would say that the book was most suited to those learning science to get a lighthearted look at ways in which they can use their new knowledge.

Amazon.com info

Hardcover 224 pages
ISBN: 0297607561
Salesrank: 3468281
Weight:1 lbs

Published: 2002 Weidenfeld & Nicolson

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Amazon.co.uk info

Hardcover 224 pages
ISBN: 0297607561
Salesrank: 453618
Weight:1 lbs

Published: 2002 Weidenfeld & Nicolson

Marketplace:New from £0.01:Used from £0.01

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Amazon.ca info

Hardcover 224 pages
ISBN: 0297607561
Salesrank: 764804
Weight:1 lbs

Published: 2002 McArthur & Co / Orion Con Trad

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Book Description
In 1998 Len Fisher attracted world-wide attention with his experiments on the physics of biscuit dunking. These won him a spoof 'IgNobel Prize', a letter of commendation from the royal society and a nomination as 'an enemy of the people' by the Times newspaper. In this funny, fascinating and accessible book the author tells the true stories behind this and other projects, taking a scientific look at the familiar and the everday as a way of opening the door to science, and showing, from an insider's viewpoint, what it feels like to be a scientist, what things scientists do, why they do it and how they go about it. Scientists exploring the most commonplace and mundane phenomena have provided insight into some of the most profound scientific questions and uncovered some of nature’s deepest laws - see Count Rumford, who discovered the principle of heat convection after burning his mouth on hot apple pie. We can in turn use these laws to understand and improve our performance in many everday activities, as How to Dunk a Doughnut shows, demonstrating the benefits of a more scientific approach to things as diverse as sport, DIY and sex. Along the way, we meet scientists from past and present and learn the solutions to many of modern life's most pressing problems, from the scientific way to add up a shopping bill, to how to use the laws of thermodynamics to boil the perfect egg.

Book Description

In 1998 Len Fisher attracted world-wide attention with his experiments on the physics of biscuit dunking. These won him a spoof 'IgNobel Prize', a letter of commendation from the royal society and a nomination as 'an enemy of the people' by the Times newspaper. In this funny, fascinating and accessible book the author tells the true stories behind this and other projects, taking a scientific look at the familiar and the everday as a way of opening the door to science, and showing, from an insider's viewpoint, what it feels like to be a scientist, what things scientists do, why they do it and how they go about it. Scientists exploring the most commonplace and mundane phenomena have provided insight into some of the most profound scientific questions and uncovered some of nature’s deepest laws - see Count Rumford, who discovered the principle of heat convection after burning his mouth on hot apple pie. We can in turn use these laws to understand and improve our performance in many everday activities, as How to Dunk a Doughnut shows, demonstrating the benefits of a more scientific approach to things as diverse as sport, DIY and sex. Along the way, we meet scientists from past and present and learn the solutions to many of modern life's most pressing problems, from the scientific way to add up a shopping bill, to how to use the laws of thermodynamics to boil the perfect egg.

Not as enthusiastic as the others ****
This book didn't work for me as well as it apparently did for others. I do think that it succeeds handily at two important things: showing how science is involved in everyday things, and showing that while we tend to think of science as an ivory-tower exercise for super-geniuses, much of science is actually a process involving intuition, experimentation, collaboration, persistence and luck that any reasonably intelligent person can contribute to if they are interested. My problem with the book is that parts of what he talks about just didn't hold my interest well, e.g. How To Add Up A Supermarket Bill and The Art And Science Of Dunking. And Catch As Catch Can left me thinking that surely what happens in the human brain is quite different from the complex sort of computation he talks about. I did like parts of the book, but I liked the book "The Secret House" better (although perhaps it is unfair to compare them because "The Secret House" does not dive so deeply into any topic).

Not as enthusiastic as the others ****

This book didn't work for me as well as it apparently did for others. I do think that it succeeds handily at two important things: showing how science is involved in everyday things, and showing that while we tend to think of science as an ivory-tower exercise for super-geniuses, much of science is actually a process involving intuition, experimentation, collaboration, persistence and luck that any reasonably intelligent person can contribute to if they are interested.

My problem with the book is that parts of what he talks about just didn't hold my interest well, e.g. How To Add Up A Supermarket Bill and The Art And Science Of Dunking. And Catch As Catch Can left me thinking that surely what happens in the human brain is quite different from the complex sort of computation he talks about.

I did like parts of the book, but I liked the book "The Secret House" better (although perhaps it is unfair to compare them because "The Secret House" does not dive so deeply into any topic).

Anecdotes tell of science's applicability to people *****
Dr. Fisher was award an IgNobel Prize in 1999 for his work on the physics of cookie dunking, and his How To Dunk A Doughnut extends his research into the everyday world in an effort to relate science to everyday life. Anecdotes tell of science's applicability to people, from beer foam and the meaning of life to chewing and its relationship to perceptions of taste. Even the most reluctant science reader will find these vignettes compelling reading.

Anecdotes tell of science's applicability to people *****

Dr. Fisher was award an IgNobel Prize in 1999 for his work on the physics of cookie dunking, and his How To Dunk A Doughnut extends his research into the everyday world in an effort to relate science to everyday life. Anecdotes tell of science's applicability to people, from beer foam and the meaning of life to chewing and its relationship to perceptions of taste. Even the most reluctant science reader will find these vignettes compelling reading.

A pleasure to read *****
It is very rare to find an author who writes with such enthusiasm about their subject, particularly in this kind of field. The information isn't just presented in a factual way, it is made into interesting accounts of the author's (sometimes failed) experiments, that can be related to tribulations of everyday life, such as knowing when the Sunday roast is cooked! As a student, I found this book very interesting and worthy of the highest praise.

A pleasure to read *****

It is very rare to find an author who writes with such enthusiasm about their subject, particularly in this kind of field. The information isn't just presented in a factual way, it is made into interesting accounts of the author's (sometimes failed) experiments, that can be related to tribulations of everyday life, such as knowing when the Sunday roast is cooked! As a student, I found this book very interesting and worthy of the highest praise.

Pepper and Handsprings *****
As a non-science oriented person, I found myself skipping around in this book, skimming parts about claw hammers and boomerangs, but reading the entire chapter on supermarket bills. Frankly, that doughnut on the cover got my attention, and the fact that I had just heard about the Ignobel Prize on the radio, which the author of this book won several years ago. I enjoyed the chapter on The Physics of Sex, but had to read the notes to find out why a woman taking the antidepressant clomipramine supplemented her dosage with pepper. (You'll have to read it yourself, I don't want Amazon removing my review!) In addition to making science more accessible, Fisher makes scientists seem more human. He describes colleagues of his reacting to successes by singing, shouting, and one who removed all his clothes and did a series of handsprings. Now that is a happy scientist.

Pepper and Handsprings *****

As a non-science oriented person, I found myself skipping around in this book, skimming parts about claw hammers and boomerangs, but reading the entire chapter on supermarket bills. Frankly, that doughnut on the cover got my attention, and the fact that I had just heard about the Ignobel Prize on the radio, which the author of this book won several years ago.

I enjoyed the chapter on The Physics of Sex, but had to read the notes to find out why a woman taking the antidepressant clomipramine supplemented her dosage with pepper. (You'll have to read it yourself, I don't want Amazon removing my review!)

In addition to making science more accessible, Fisher makes scientists seem more human. He describes colleagues of his reacting to successes by singing, shouting, and one who removed all his clothes and did a series of handsprings. Now that is a happy scientist.

The scientific mind at work .... and loving it *****
With an enthusiasm that is clearly contagious, the author applies scientific reasoning and methodology to better understand certain things in everyday life that we may take for granted. Topics that are examined under the microscope of the author's sharp and witty mind include: the science of cooking, the scientific principles behind tool usage, boomerang design and throwing, quick determination the cheapest supermarket, the physics of sex, and more. The author's excitement in describing his scientific approach to these matters stands out - much as an excited child describing the joys of discovering something new and wonderful, but in a clear, lucid, even funny, way. Complete with lots of diagrams and charts, this book is pleasure to read. The author has definitely succeeded in clearly illustrating how the scientific method and the scientific mind work, and all this in a most enjoyable way.

The scientific mind at work .... and loving it *****

With an enthusiasm that is clearly contagious, the author applies scientific reasoning and methodology to better understand certain things in everyday life that we may take for granted. Topics that are examined under the microscope of the author's sharp and witty mind include: the science of cooking, the scientific principles behind tool usage, boomerang design and throwing, quick determination the cheapest supermarket, the physics of sex, and more. The author's excitement in describing his scientific approach to these matters stands out - much as an excited child describing the joys of discovering something new and wonderful, but in a clear, lucid, even funny, way. Complete with lots of diagrams and charts, this book is pleasure to read. The author has definitely succeeded in clearly illustrating how the scientific method and the scientific mind work, and all this in a most enjoyable way.

learn physics the easy way *****
I can unreservedly recommend this book to all aspiring scientists. In a delightfully amusing well written way are described some of the important principles of how science really works. This is not in any way a complete book on physics - it's not meant to be. But as an appetiser, using simple ideas and diagrams it will take some beating. We need more of these types of books where the excitement of science is put over with enthusiasm and clarity. I found only one mistake in the text where it is indicated that rusting depends on Oxygen and water: it also requires Carbon Dioxide. And if you are a budding scientist read it with Michael Faraday's "The Chemical History of a Candle" to find out how real, fundamental but essentially simple science is undertaken.

learn physics the easy way *****

I can unreservedly recommend this book to all aspiring scientists. In a delightfully amusing well written way are described some of the important principles of how science really works. This is not in any way a complete book on physics - it's not meant to be. But as an appetiser, using simple ideas and diagrams it will take some beating. We need more of these types of books where the excitement of science is put over with enthusiasm and clarity. I found only one mistake in the text where it is indicated that rusting depends on Oxygen and water: it also requires Carbon Dioxide.

And if you are a budding scientist read it with Michael Faraday's "The Chemical History of a Candle" to find out how real, fundamental but essentially simple science is undertaken.

interesting in parts ***
As the title suggests, this book looks at some unusual problems in a scientific manner, and in doing so, the author aims to humanise science and make it more accessible to the layman. However, while reading it I felt the author was less interested in conveying the science behind the experiments and rather describing his 'wacky but really quite important' scientific discoveries. It was repetitious (someone please count how many times in the book he mentions doughnut dunking) and thus none of the chapters really caputured my imagination in the way the author probably intended. In the end I could not read some chapters to their conclusion do to the dullness and repetitous nature. However, there are some genuinely interesting chapters. Although this sounds a little hypocritical I actually did enjoy the dunking chapter (though use of other words than 'dunk' and 'doughnut' would have been appreciated) and also the chapters on boomerangs and hand tools were enjoyable. In summary: I believe this book doesn't have mass appeal...it does require at least a vague interest and knowledge of basic scientific principles (mainly physics). However, for a particular demographic I'm sure it will be riotously funny. Unfortunately for me I do not fit that demographic and so can only give the book a luke warm reception.

interesting in parts ***

As the title suggests, this book looks at some unusual problems in a scientific manner, and in doing so, the author aims to humanise science and make it more accessible to the layman. However, while reading it I felt the author was less interested in conveying the science behind the experiments and rather describing his 'wacky but really quite important' scientific discoveries. It was repetitious (someone please count how many times in the book he mentions doughnut dunking) and thus none of the chapters really caputured my imagination in the way the author probably intended. In the end I could not read some chapters to their conclusion do to the dullness and repetitous nature.

However, there are some genuinely interesting chapters. Although this sounds a little hypocritical I actually did enjoy the dunking chapter (though use of other words than 'dunk' and 'doughnut' would have been appreciated) and also the chapters on boomerangs and hand tools were enjoyable.

In summary:
I believe this book doesn't have mass appeal...it does require at least a vague interest and knowledge of basic scientific principles (mainly physics). However, for a particular demographic I'm sure it will be riotously funny. Unfortunately for me I do not fit that demographic and so can only give the book a luke warm reception.

A truly readable and enjoyable popular science book *****
Have you ever tried to read a popular science book and given up after a few pages? Are you still interested in learning something about science and what scientists do? If so, then this is the book for you. In this brilliant book Dr Fisher has succeeded, where many scientists have failed, in writing a book which is truly accessible (and enjoyable!) to the layperson, without sacrificing the quality of the scientific content. Dr Fisher's approach de-mystifies science by examining how scientific analysis can be applied to ordinary everyday situations, from boiling an egg to catching a ball. His lighthearted biscuit dunking experiments were widely reported across the world. Dr Fisher deals with subjects dear to most of our hearts: beer, food, sex and shopping amongst others, and this is one of the things that make this book so readable. The science is interspersed with anecdotes about the many scientists Dr Fisher has worked with and about the way scientists actually go about their work. The elements are carefully mixed to allow the science to be easily digested in bite-sized pieces, and for those who want to read further there are extensive appendices, notes and references at the back of the book. I recommend this book to anyone. It is informative, thought provoking and a pleasure to read.

A truly readable and enjoyable popular science book *****

Have you ever tried to read a popular science book and given up after a few pages? Are you still interested in learning something about science and what scientists do? If so, then this is the book for you. In this brilliant book Dr Fisher has succeeded, where many scientists have failed, in writing a book which is truly accessible (and enjoyable!) to the layperson, without sacrificing the quality of the scientific content.

Dr Fisher's approach de-mystifies science by examining how scientific analysis can be applied to ordinary everyday situations, from boiling an egg to catching a ball. His lighthearted biscuit dunking experiments were widely reported across the world. Dr Fisher deals with subjects dear to most of our hearts: beer, food, sex and shopping amongst others, and this is one of the things that make this book so readable. The science is interspersed with anecdotes about the many scientists Dr Fisher has worked with and about the way scientists actually go about their work. The elements are carefully mixed to allow the science to be easily digested in bite-sized pieces, and for those who want to read further there are extensive appendices, notes and references at the back of the book.

I recommend this book to anyone. It is informative, thought provoking and a pleasure to read.

What your science teacher should have taught you! ****
This entertaining book is based on a series of radio, television and press interviews on making the science of everyday situations accessible. It tackles the physics behind things like tea breaks, roast dinners and eating generally, catching a ball on a bicycle, the journey of human sperm, and even shopping receipts, and shows how fascinating they can be. It is generally written in a style that is very easy to read. The book has lots of funny anecdotes and facts, and is a mixture of the writers' own research experiences and his colleagues', amusing quotes, exploits of famous scientists and how readers can use scientific principles to benefit themselves. One of the chapters (the one on his research into foams and suspensions like milk, beer and soap solutions, which surprisingly turn out to be applicable to lots of problems and crucial to modern life!) contains some more difficult concepts that need concentration to follow. He warns at the beginning that this is deliberate, because he is showing what it is really like to be a scientist (ie, you need to sometimes think and use numbers). You do find out what liposomes really are in this chapter though. I particularly liked the chapter on the physics of taste (does a coffee and garlic dessert fool your brain into alternating between the two in a pleasant way? I'm not going to check that one).

What your science teacher should have taught you! ****

This entertaining book is based on a series of radio, television and press
interviews on making the science of everyday situations accessible. It
tackles the physics behind things like tea breaks, roast dinners and eating
generally, catching a ball on a bicycle, the journey of human sperm, and
even shopping receipts, and shows how fascinating they can be. It is
generally written in a style that is very easy to read. The book has lots
of funny anecdotes and facts, and is a mixture of the writers' own research
experiences and his colleagues', amusing quotes, exploits of famous
scientists and how readers can use scientific principles to benefit
themselves. One of the chapters (the one on his research into foams and
suspensions like milk, beer and soap solutions, which surprisingly turn out
to be applicable to lots of problems and crucial to modern life!) contains
some more difficult concepts that need concentration to follow. He warns at
the beginning that this is deliberate, because he is showing what it is
really like to be a scientist (ie, you need to sometimes think and use
numbers). You do find out what liposomes really are in this chapter though.
I particularly liked the chapter on the physics of taste (does a coffee and
garlic dessert fool your brain into alternating between the two in a
pleasant way? I'm not going to check that one).