Under The Microscope

"DRUNKEN GOLDFISH & OTHER IRRELEVANT SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH", by William Hartston; Ballantyne Books, 1990; 154 pages; $13.95

Scientific research is said to be expanding exponentially, making it difficult for anyone to keep up with what is happening outside their own pet fields. This book goes some way towards providing a fascinating look at the more bizarre research projects undertaken in the name of science.

Mr Hartston sets the tone by describing his own research methods, sitting in Cambridge University's library "turning the pages of current academic journals and cackling with laughter."

When you look at the material he's sourced, you begin to see why: "Polar bears in the Middle Ages", "Plant primary perception: electro- physiological unresponsiveness to brine shrimp killing", "Elephants and marshmallows: a theoretical synthesis of incongruity-resolution and arousal theories of humour". All stirring stuff.

It's difficult to see why people wanted to know the effects of drinking schizophrenic's blood on the web-building of spiders. Or how irrationally dogs behaved when threatened with drowning. But the gentle tongue-in-cheek approach, combined with some delightful illustrations, makes you want to delve further. For those truly fascinated, Mr Hartston provides suitably scholarly footnotes.