The Salmon Cannon and the Levitating Frog: And Other Serious Discoveries of Silly Science

A paean to the importance of “silly science,” York’s (ecological studies, Lenoir-Rhyne Univ.; Queens of the Jungle) survey of discoveries that led to—or might lead to—increased human flourishing includes some usual suspects. The serendipitous discovery of penicillin is here, as is the development of Ozempic from the study of Gila monster venom. Less well known but still pragmatically important innovations include the salmon cannon of the title. Perhaps most importantly, there are the insights into humanity’s material reality that haven’t yet made anyone a millionaire. Underneath the dorkily charming, breezy tone and the enumerations of Nobel Prize–winning innovations, York has a serious point: curiosity for curiosity’s sake ought to be encouraged, nurtured, and funded. Incidents of scientists’ research being mocked by elected officials looking to score political points are all too resonant to the present moment.