SPICE IN SCIENCE
The best of science funnies
K. Krishna Murty
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ISBN 978-935-05730-3-7
DISCLAIMER
While every attempt has been made to provide accurate and timely information in this book, neither the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibility for errors, unintended omissions or commissions detected therein. The author and publisher make no representation or warranty with respect to the comprehensiveness or completeness of the contents provided.
All matters included have been simplified under professional guidance for general information only without any warranty for applicability on an individual. Any mention of an organization or a website in the book by way of citation or as a source of additional information doesn't imply the endorsement of the content either by the author or the publisher. It is possible that websites cited may have changed or removed between the time of editing and publishing the book.
Results from using the expert opinion in this book will be totally dependent on individual circumstances and factors beyond the control of the author and the publisher.
It makes sense to elicit advice from well informed sources before implementing the ideas given in the book. The reader assumes full responsibility for the consequences arising out from reading this book. For proper guidance, it is advisable to read the book under the watchful eyes of parents/guardian. The purchaser of this book assumes all responsibility for the use of given materials and information. The copyright of the entire content of this book rests with the author/publisher. Any infringement/ transmission of the cover design, text or illustrations, in any form, by any means, by any entity will invite legal action and be responsible for consequences thereon.
DEDICATION
To my wife
Contents
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Preface
![It is impossible for us who are now accustomed to present-day science - photo 14](/uploads/posts/book/381540/images/line.jpg)
It is impossible for us who are now accustomed to present-day science, technology and medicine to gauge the mixture of wonder and disbelief that those breakthrough scientists must have felt at the moment of their success and glory. But when we delight in a modern gadget or overcome pain with a medical miracle, we seldom remember the scientists who sweated it out to realise their dreams that now light up our lives.
Their pleasure was in their sweat and in perspiration they drew their inspiration. These geniuses lived in a fascinating world of their own, unmindful of their personal lives and careless in worldly matters. Beyond the shadows of serious science and cloistered labs, these dishevelled scientists once in a while lit up their lives with a lighter side.
From this lighter side, we have here the forgetfulness of Norbert Weiner, the earthy humour of Newton, the brilliant banter of Paul Erds, the jolly jokes of Albert Einstein, the practical fun of Thomas Edison, the true lies of Guglielmo Marconi, the innocent humour of Werner Heisenberg, the humble brilliance of Srinivas Ramanujan and an inveterate teetollar in CV Raman. Their forgetfulness tickles us to laughter and their self-effacing wisdom provokes a postscript.
It is difficult to distinguish between true stories, trivia and anecdotes. The Concise Oxford English Dictionary defines an anecdote as: a short entertaining story about a real incident or person; an account regarded ultimate origins in the Greek anekdota (things unpublished). Likewise, while most incidents in the book are of recent origin, those who could authenticate them are no longer present. But these real-life incidents are variously circulated and were compiled from books, magazines, websites and other media.
Yet, only a thin line exists between fact and fiction. So if a more enlightened reader knows that any of the anecdotes is not true, and brings this to our notice, it will be withdrawn from future reprints.
So here is the true spice in science
K. Krishna Murty
Science Funnies
![Home Alone One day at the Princeton University a phone call was received - photo 15](/uploads/posts/book/381540/images/line.jpg)
Home Alone
One day at the Princeton University, a phone call was received enquiring about the address of Dr Einstein. Since the University authorities felt that the professor should be shielded from curious callers, the request was politely rejected.
![The caller made repeated calls and finally refused to keep the phone down and - photo 16](/uploads/posts/book/381540/images/p009.jpg)
The caller made repeated calls and finally refused to keep the phone down and spoke in an urgent whisper: Please do not tell anybody. I am on my way home and have forgotten my way. I am Dr Einstein!
Morse Code and Marriage
Miss Mary Stilwell joined Edison Labs. Soon she proved a capable and invaluable asset to the Labs.
Once in the middle of a serious experiment, Edison said softly, Mary!
Miss Mary said, Well, what is it Alva?
Edison took a coin from his coat pocket and tapped a message in Morse code, HAVE BEEN THINKING MUCH ABOUT LATELY STOP WILL YOU MARRY ME QUERY.
Mary blushed and smiled. She replied, tapping, THAT WOULD MAKE ME HAPPY STOP.
And it did. He married her.
Albert Einstein once said, Gravity cannot be held responsible for people falling in love.
Should we say that also for the Morse code?
Crystals and Cash