In August 1931, New Zealand farmer Richard Buckley hit the local headlines - or rather his trousers did. One minute they were drying in front of the fire; the next there was a huge blast and a ball of flames. Farmer Buckley's trousers had exploded. The culprit? A popular pesticide of the day, which when combined with clothing fibres unexpectedly formed a highly combustible compound. This incendiary story is a striking example of how scientific advances meant to improve people's lives can sometimes backfire. Contrary to the widespread belief that science and technology move steadily on from one discovery to the next, the fascinating stories in this entertaining collection present some of the unfamiliar characters and events that litter the path of scientific progress, where setbacks and mishaps are the norm, and breakthroughs are the exception.
Farmer Buckley's Exploding Trousers
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'Entertainingly told' --Daily Mail
'Entertainingly told in clear, non-technical prose from the pages of the New Scientist' --Daily Mail
`An enjoyable romp' --BBC Focus
'Entertainingly told in clear, non-technical prose from the pages of the New Scientist' --Daily Mail
`An enjoyable romp' --BBC Focus
Book Description
The all-but-forgotten heroes and highlights of everyday science
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
This was a fascinating book of science related facts. I particularly found it nice to have on Kindle and read on my phone kindle app on the train.
14 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A great book that can be read at random if so wished. The trousers do not appear until well inside but the reader is informed about many other instances of how science may not be our best servant. This reader was fascinated due to having experimented as a young boy with the very chemicals that caused such consternation to Farmer Buckley, but, happily, without dire consequences! Highly recommended.
By mopc
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
i love all the new scientist books. I do subscribe the magazine as well. So funny and educated book that everyone can read and have a good laugh at the same time.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
One for the beach collection
A slightly patchy collection, quality-wise, but lots in it to entertain and therefore well worth taking on holiday. I'll not be keeping it ont' Kindle though.
Published 8 months ago by Earbasher
4.0 out of 5 stars
Donald, Where's Your Trousers?
Before Terry Deary had written `Horrible Histories', he had already created a series of true story books for children. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Sam
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very interesting read.
This book is ideal for the "pick up for a short read" type. Just full of interesting stories of scientific and product development. Could inspire the budding inventor!
Published 12 months ago by TonyR
4.0 out of 5 stars
Full of interesting science facts
I really enjoyed reading this book as I love science and also it has some amusing facts that will intrigue readers.
Published 16 months ago by Laura
5.0 out of 5 stars
Mew Scientist book
This book was bought because we already have three previous titles of the New Scientist books, and this is just as good a read as the others - brilliant.
Published 22 months ago by rosawoodbugs
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