Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Elephants on Acid summary
Alex Boese
Brief summary
Elephants on Acid by Alex Boese is a fascinating exploration of bizarre and absurd scientific experiments. From giving elephants LSD to testing the effects of sleep deprivation, this book delves into the strange world of research.
Topics
Table of Contents
Elephants on Acid
Summary of key ideas
Elephants, LSD, and the Bizarre World of Science
In Elephants on Acid, Alex Boese takes us on a wild ride through the bizarre and often hilarious world of scientific experiments. The book kicks off with an attention-grabbing account of Tusko the elephant, who was administered a massive dose of LSD in a 1962 experiment. The result? An incredibly bizarre and ultimately tragic sequence of events that gave a new meaning to the phrase 'elephants on acid'.
Boese then delves into the curious history of self-experimentation, introducing us to scientists who willingly subjected themselves to their own experiments. From swallowing tapeworms to prove their harmlessness to injecting themselves with deadly bacteria, these individuals pushed the boundaries of scientific inquiry in ways that often seem more like stunts than serious research.
The Quirky Side of Scientific Inquiry
As we journey through the pages of Elephants on Acid, we encounter a variety of unusual experiments. Boese introduces us to the 'monster' that was the artificial intelligence program, ELIZA, which could pass as a human psychotherapist. We also learn about the curious case of the severed head of Soviet scientist, Sergei Brukhonenko, which he kept alive and responsive using a primitive life support system.
From the infamous Milgram experiment that studied obedience to authority to the bizarre study that attempted to teach dolphins to speak English, Boese reveals the quirky side of scientific inquiry. These experiments, often controversial and sometimes downright absurd, challenge our perceptions of what constitutes 'good science' and what is ethical in the pursuit of knowledge.
From the Hilarious to the Horrifying
The book is not just a catalogue of odd experiments; it also delves into the darker side of scientific curiosity. Boese examines the history of vivisection, the practice of dissecting live animals for research, and the often horrifying results of these experiments. He also discusses the unethical research conducted by Nazi scientists during World War II, highlighting the ethical dilemmas that arise when the pursuit of knowledge clashes with human rights.
Despite these darker moments, Elephants on Acid maintains an engaging and often humorous tone. Boese's storytelling is peppered with anecdotes and tidbits that keep the reader entertained and engaged, even when discussing serious ethical issues.
Reflections on the Nature of Science
As the book draws to a close, Boese offers some reflections on the nature of science and the role of the scientist. He questions the boundaries of ethical research and the responsibility of scientists to consider the potential consequences of their work. He also highlights the importance of public engagement with science, arguing that the bizarre and the unusual can serve as powerful tools for sparking interest and curiosity in the scientific process.
In conclusion, Elephants on Acid provides a fascinating and often amusing look at the history of scientific inquiry. Boese's exploration of the bizarre and often controversial world of scientific experiments challenges us to consider the ethical and moral implications of scientific research, while also celebrating the curiosity and creativity that drives the pursuit of knowledge.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Elephants on Acid about?
Elephants on Acid by Alex Boese is a fascinating exploration of bizarre and often hilarious scientific experiments throughout history. From giving elephants LSD to studying the effects of sleep deprivation, this book delves into the strange lengths researchers have gone to in the name of science. It offers a unique blend of entertainment and education, challenging our understanding of what constitutes a "legitimate" experiment.
Elephants on Acid Review
Elephants on Acid delves into bizarre scientific experiments throughout history, providing an entertaining and educational journey for curious readers. Here's why this book stands out:
- Featuring weird and wacky experiments that push the boundaries of scientific inquiry, it offers a fresh perspective on how far researchers have gone in the name of science.
- With a blend of humor and scientific rigor, the book presents complex concepts in a digestible and engaging manner, ensuring an enjoyable read for all audiences.
- Its fascinating anecdotes and insights into human curiosity and ingenuity make sure that boredom is the last thing you'll experience while flipping through its pages.
Who should read Elephants on Acid?
Curious individuals who enjoy quirky and offbeat experiments
Science enthusiasts looking for entertaining and informative reads
People who appreciate unconventional approaches to understanding the world
Categories with Elephants on Acid
Book summaries like Elephants on Acid
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
38 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Elephants on Acid FAQs
What is the main message of Elephants on Acid?
The main message of Elephants on Acid explores bizarre scientific experiments in a captivating and humorous way.
How long does it take to read Elephants on Acid?
Reading time for Elephants on Acid varies. Blinkist summary can be read quickly.
Is Elephants on Acid a good book? Is it worth reading?
Elephants on Acid is a fascinating read, shedding light on peculiar experiments. Worth a read!
Who is the author of Elephants on Acid?
Alex Boese is the author of Elephants on Acid.
What to read after Elephants on Acid?
If you're wondering what to read next after Elephants on Acid, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
- Incognito by David Eagleman
- God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens
- A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
- The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins
- Simply Complexity by Neil F. Johnson
- Antifragile by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
- Physics of the Future by Michio Kaku
- The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
- Musicophilia by Oliver Sacks