3

REVIEW FIELD TEST

Theo Gray’s Mad Science: Experiments You Can do at Home – But Probably Shouldn’t

be tried by an experienced chemist. The health

and safety warning at the beginning of this book is

realistic, and more serious than the ones found in

most modern books.

“This book does not tell you enough to do all

of the experiments safely,” and that’s deliberate

• some experiments are not spelt out in enough
  detail for you to do because you shouldn’t be doing
  them until you’ve built up the right experience
  and knowledge. For the rest, the real dangers are
  highlighted, but there are plenty of experiments that
  you can try with children – and some that kids can
  do on their own.
  Simple tricks are a fun way to amuse your friends


• metal spoons that melt in hot water, ice cubes that
  sink, and rocket fuel from snack food. Along the way
  the science will get absorbed far more readily than
  in school chemistry lessons. Gray’s choice phrasing


• “construct a light bulb the modern way with some
  helium and an old welder” – will keep you diving into
  each new project.
  Learning how to make everything from matches
  to nylon is an inspiring thing for your children to
  experience. It’ll also make you feel less like you’d
  revert to a Neanderthal without all of your solid state
  technology around you. Of course, not all of the
  materials and equipment will be easy to come by –
  best hang on to that internet connection for a while.
  Regardless of any atavistic urges – and the fire
  chapter will also appeal to those – the fun comes
  with plenty of potential for education, and you’ll
  be wishing that they could still do this sort of
  experiment in school. Inspiration for the well-insured
  hackspace perhaps? At the very least, a hugely
  enjoyable coffee table book of vicarious geekery.

For better or worse,” writes Gray,

“the fire, smoke, smells, and bangs

of chemistry are what inspired many

scientists to become scientists in the

first place.” Mad Science exults not just

the spirit of amateur scientists, but their

substantial achievements. But mostly, the citizen

scientist is someone who gets to have fun.

Starting with experimental cuisine, the first course

is making salt – with a warning that this experiment

is the most dangerous in the book, and should only

“

Theo Gray’s Mad Science:

Experiments You Can do at

Home – But Probably Shouldn’t

So many great

experiments – a

cornucopia of

fun, imbued with

a love of science.

Inspirational.

VERDICT

Theo Gray £12.95 graysci.com

9 / 10

By Richard Smedley @RichardSmedley