This Book Warps Space and Time

Book excerpt: The Journal of Irreproducible Results is the funniest thing to happen to science since Archimedes ran naked through the streets of Syracuse." --Discover Science humor magazine The Journal of Irreproducible Results has targeted "hypocrisy, arrogance, and ostentatious sesquipedalian circumlocution" since 1955. JIR editor Norman Sperling presents humorous and quirky tidbits relating to science, math, academia, bureaucracy, and witty word play. More than 250 entries ponder and pun the practical and peculiar. Consider OSHA's definition of the word "exit" as compared to Merriam Webster's: OSHA states, "Exit is the portion of a means of egress which is separated from all other spaces of the building or structure by construction or equipment as required in this subpart to provide a protected way to travel to exit discharge." Webster's defines "exit" as, "A way out of an enclosed place or space." If you've ever questioned the warning label on your hand drill that reads, "This product is not intended for use as a dental drill," or wonder what the "punishable by law" penalty is for snipping off that warning label on your pillow or mattress, then this book is for you.