How to Become an Accidental Genius

MacLeod and Wishinsky investigate the genesis of 33 ingenious inventions.

Some of the inventions here came about as the result of an accident—the Popsicle, for example, or the microwave oven—but most were the result of seeing the possibilities once presented with a situation. That takes knowledge, as this book emphasizes, along with paying attention, making connections, taking your time, persistence, avoiding assumptions, and being open to failure. Each invention, from friction matches to folding beds, penicillin, high-dose radiation, the electronic feeding device, Teflon, corn flakes, and windshield wipers—for starters—is accompanied by photos and images of the inventor and their invention. A good half of those celebrated in these pages are women, and there is a decent sampling of different races and nationalities. Explaining the mechanics of the inventions is a variable affair. Some are obvious, like the aforementioned Popsicle, while others, such as fiber optics, don’t lend themselves to simple explanations. But no matter how abstruse the invention is, Macleod and Wishinsky make it clear why the invention was important through its everyday application. Pull quotes from such lights as Leonardo da Vinci, George Washington Carver, and Larry Page add interest, as do extra factlets introduced in sidebars; Playford’s illustrations add zip.

Accidental geniuses are people whose mishaps and failures have led to useful innovations, inventions, and scientific breakthroughs. This colorful book profiles dozens of individuals within thematic chapters with titles such as “Don’t Make Assumptions” and “Be Persistent.” The “Pay Attention” chapter introduces Mary Anderson as the inventor of the windshield wiper, George Washington Carver as the innovative biologist now remembered for recognizing the peanut’s potential, and Alexander Fleming, whose development of penicillin began when he noticed that mold had accidentally fallen into a dish of bacteria. Women and minorities are well represented, from Grace Hopper (COBOL) to Patricia Bath (laser cataract treatment) to Narinder Singh Kapany (fiber optics), and several young, contemporary innovators are introduced as well. Sidebars carry related information and sometimes spotlight kids as inventors. The book’s glossy pages present an inviting combination of color photos, archival photos, and original art. With many geniuses included and a good deal of space devoted to illustrations, each introduction is limited in length but usefully concise. An informative overview with an upbeat look and a lively text.

Gr 4-9--Tackling everything from Popsicles to fiber optics, from windshield wipers to rocket fuel, MacLeod and Wishinsky cover a variety of inventions that came about through serendipity, curiosity, and persistence. The authors devote two to three pages to each inventor, with illustrations, photographs, and sidebars. The book provides basic biographical information is provided and cultural and historical context. These brief overviews focus on how the invention itself came about. Inventors are categorized not chronologically but thematically, in sections such as "Don't be afraid to try," "Pay attention," "Be persistent," and "Don't make assumptions." Each precept is expounded upon in a chapter prologue and is carefully referenced in each vignette, in addition to being reprised at the end in a single list. A short glossary is included, though most terms are explained in context as well. Print and digital sources are listed. Many websites are personal (for contemporary inventors) or are specific to an invention (e.g., Slinky and Braille). Others are from notable addresses, such as MIT or the Encyclopedia of World Biography. Print sources are appropriate for readers who want to delve deeper into the topic. VERDICT A worthy addition to the pantheon of books on inventors and inventions.--Katherine Koenig, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh