How Does Aspirin Find a Headache? summary

Unraveling Everyday Mysteries

In How Does Aspirin Find a Headache? by David Feldman, we are invited to explore the fascinating world of curious questions and everyday mysteries. The book is a collection of 101 perplexing questions, each with a detailed and often surprising explanation. The queries span a wide range of topics, from science and history to language and pop culture, and are presented in a light-hearted and humorous manner.

One of the first questions in the book is, “Why do we say ‘Ouch’ when we are hurt?” Feldman explains that the word 'ouch' is a universal expression of pain, and even animals like chimpanzees and gorillas have been observed using similar sounds to express pain. He delves into the evolutionary reasons behind this phenomenon, suggesting that it may have developed as a form of non-verbal communication to signal danger within a social group.

Science, History, and More

Feldman also explores scientific mysteries, such as “Why does time seem to speed up as we grow older?” He explains this phenomenon using the concept of proportionality. For a child, a year represents a significant portion of their life, making it seem long. As we age, each year represents a smaller fraction of our total life, causing time to appear to speed up. 

Throughout the book, the author also delves into historical curiosities. For instance, he addresses the question, “Why did early American settlers drink beer for breakfast?” He explains that during the colonial period, clean water was scarce, so people turned to beer as a safe alternative. It was also believed to have nutritional value, making it a common breakfast beverage.

Language and Culture

In addition to science and history, Feldman takes a look at language and culture. “Why do we call a police officer a 'copper'?” he asks. The answer lies in the early days of the London police force when officers wore copper badges. The term 'copper' was later adopted as a slang term for a police officer and has stuck around ever since.

Another fascinating question tackled by Feldman is, “Why do we say ‘God bless you’ when someone sneezes?” He traces this custom back to ancient times when sneezing was believed to expel evil spirits from the body. The phrase was thus used as a way to protect the sneezer from potential harm.

Parting Thoughts

As we journey through the pages of How Does Aspirin Find a Headache?, we are reminded of the wonder and curiosity that surrounds us in our daily lives. Feldman's approach to answering these questions is not just informative but also entertaining, making the book an enjoyable read for anyone interested in the oddities of the world. By the end, we are left with a deeper appreciation for the mysteries that shape our experiences and a newfound curiosity to explore the world around us.