The Big Book of Facts

From astonishing, amazing and surprising science and history facts to the little-known stories hidden inside bigger science and history events, The Big Book of Facts is a fascinating tour through the human body, the environment, atomic physics, and technology, as well as social, political, and cultural history. You'll learn about the world through absorbing stories and interesting tidbits such as ... Like fingerprints, every tongue on Earth has a unique print. A basic and quick history of cash in America Government agencies in the U.S. and Paris both agree that the measure of a second is determined by how long it takes a cesium atom to vibrate just over nine billion times. What is a black hole, and what would happen if you fell into a black hole? Hide-and-Seek (or, in some areas, Hide-and-Go-Seek) was first described by a second-century Greek writer. The story of Fritz Haber and the invention of chemical fertilizer Rice is the most-eaten food in the world. It's a dietary staple for more than 3.5 billion people around the planet. Corn is the second-most consumed food. As for meat, pork is the top meat and is on 36% of the world's plates; chicken is a very close second at 35%. More than 85% of the world's money is digital only. It exists because a computer says someone has it. How handwashing and body hygiene evolved through history The story of Charlie Parkhurst, the baddest stagecoach driver in the Old West What went into making a space suit for the Apollo astronauts. Why some radio and television station call letters start with K and others start with W The tale of the man who who invented mustard gas

An absorbing guide to history and science, this feast of facts and compelling stories recounts the physics and science that control the universe and the revolutionary ideas, acts, and inventions that changed the world. Engrossing, engaging, and enlightening, The Big Book of Facts is a resource for discovering scientific principles, history-makers, and the fun oddities that make up our world. Wide-ranging and fact-filled with nearly 150 illustrations, this information-rich tome also includes a helpful bibliography and an extensive index for those scrambling for more information.