A collection of questions, answers and debates from "The Guardian"'s "Notes and Queries" column. It answers questions about bizarre people and places, and considers mental puzzles such as "How could Descartes be so sure of the existence of doubt?" and "What is the universe expanding into?"
A lip-smackingly funny choice of the best, worst, most irritating and simply most diverting questions, answers and ensuing debates from the Guardian’s long-running, much loved column.
If you’re not fixated by the people (Who was Gordon Bennett? What is a Dutch uncle? Who was Mr Enos Bacon, the Yorkshire Nightingale?) then the places will entrance you (Sod Hall, Bolton; Old Fort Sumner; Eskimo visiting sites in Scotland). And if they don’t captivate you then the mental puzzles certainly will: What is the Universe expanding into? How could Descartes be so sure of the existance of doubt? Is it true that even a blind chameleon can change its colour to that of its surroundings? Why do genetlemen prefer blondes? Does scratching your head really help?
According to Zina Kaye from London: Indeed it does. While contemplating the action of scratching your head, your subconscious mind has time to insert an answer into your conscious mind and bingo – the solution appears. For more profound problems either brew tea and/or raise theTitanic. Notes & Queries – they’re even good for you...