Quotes from Joe Schwarcz

bones are made of calcium phosphate and that by heating these in the presence of carbon he could isolate phosphorus.

White phosphorus is highly toxic, and people who made matches routinely developed "phossy jaw," a terrible condition in which the jaw bone disintegrates.

secretagogues

pheromones, those fascinating chemicals that can initiate mating behavior in certain species

armpits and private regions

eccrine glands

Deodorants contain fragrances that mask the sweat smell as well as antibacterial agents that control the growth of bacteria on the skin. Antiperspirants, however, contain aluminum compounds that form insoluble gels on the skin and plug up pores, reducing the amount of sweat that makes it to the surface.

The body eliminates toxins via the liver and kidneys, not through sweat.

Salt was so important that Roman soldiers were given extra money to purchase it. This was referred to as a "salarium," from which our word "salary" derives. Soldiers who performed their duties particularly well were said to be worth their salt!

soap or detergent molecules forge a link between the oil and the water; one end of the soap or detergent molecule binds to the oil, the other to the water. When we rinse the fabric, the stain lifts from its surface.

We can employ bleach, for example, to strip electrons from molecules. Electrons are more than just the glue that holds molecules together — they are also responsible for color. By stripping molecules of electrons, or "oxidizing" them, we can therefore eliminate stains.

Goof Off, which is a mixture of xylene and various other solvents. It's great for dried latex paint, as well as many inks and glues. Place the fabric, stain side down, on a white cotton towel and drip the solvent through. If this doesn't do the job, pour some of the solvent onto a piece of white cotton and dab at the stain. Never rub!

In the middle 1800s, North American doctors frequently diagnosed their patients with a condition they labeled "neurasthenia." It was a catch-all term that described occasional fatigue, insomnia, depression, and achy muscles — in other words, the symptoms of life.

Spot Shot. Its manufacturers market it for carpets, but it works on other fabrics as well. It is a combo of 2-butoxyethanol and a detergent. Spray it on, wait a bit, and dab with a paper towel. Shout, in its various formulations, is also worth shouting about. I've had good luck with the aerosol, the liquid, the gel, and, especially, the laundry stick.

Coke can do other useful things. Phosphate from phosphoric acid is a great rust remover, forming a soluble complex with iron. Coke can therefore be used to loosen rusty bolts. You can remove rust spots on a chrome bumper with aluminum foil dipped in Coke. In a pinch, you can use it to clean a toilet bowl as well.

overly enthusiastic headline

Fructose metabolism has a higher requirement for chromium and copper than the metabolism of other sugars, and this can conceivably lead to a drop in chromium and copper blood levels. Rats fed a high-fructose/low-copper diet routinely develop higher cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar.

metaraminol, an adrenaline-like drug used to treat low blood pressure.

Some unfortunate people, by their own account, sweat like pigs, no matter what they do. The expression is actually inappropriate, because pigs have no perspiration apparatus. That's why they wallow in mud.

The ancient Greeks did not have a good grasp of genetics.

A recent survey showed that a third of all Europeans believe that only genetically engineered tomatoes contain genes. Otherwise, the fruits are "gene-free," and, presumably, "risk-free.

Copper sulfate. Algae often invade swimming pools, turning the water greenish and cloudy. By adding a very small amount of copper sulfate to pool water, we can clarify it and make the pool more inviting. There is another benefit: by using copper sulfate, we reduce the amount of chlorine or bromine needed to disinfect the pool. Copper sulfate at such dilutions is an extremely safe substance, and the Pest Management Regulatory Agency of Health Canada has given it a clean bill of health.

Progress always comes at a cost, but if we fear the unknown, we will never get anywhere. Nothing in life is risk-free.

season our cast iron cookware to keep it from rusting and to prevent food from sticking to it. To do this, coat the pan with a thin layer of oil and then heat it. The oil will react with oxygen to form a tough, smooth, impervious layer.