Strange Brains and Genius: The Secret Lives of Eccentric Scientists and Madmen (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780688168940)

Never has the term mad scientist been more fascinatingly explored than in internationally recognized popular science author Clifford Pickover's richly researched wild ride through the bizarre lives of eccentric geniuses. A few highlights: "The Pigeon Man from Manhattan" Legendary inventor Nikola Tesla had abnormally long thumbs, a peculiar love of pigeons, and a horror of women's pearls."The Worm Man from Devonshire" Forefather of modern electric-circuit design Oliver Heaviside furnished his home with granite blocks and sometimes consumed only milk for days (as did Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison)."The Rabbit-Eater from Lichfield" Renowned scholar Samuel Johnson had so many tics and quirks that some mistook him for an idiot. In fact, his behavior matches modern definitions of obsessive-compulsive disorder and Tourette's syndrome.Pickover also addresses many provocative topics: the link between genius and madness, the role the brain plays in alien abduction and religious experiences, UFOs, cryonics -- even the whereabouts of Einstein's brain!

Author: Clifford A. Pickover
ISBN-10: 0688168949
ISBN-13: 9780688168940
Publisher: William Morrow & Company
Language: English
Published: 05/19/1999
Pages: 352
Format: Paperback
Weight: 1.10lbs
Size: 9.22h x 6.14w x 0.91d

Review Citation(s):
Ingram Advance 06/01/1999 pg. 32