LITMIR.BIZ

      Print ISBN: 978-1-78801-804-3

      EPUB ISBN: 978-1-83916-015-8

      A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

      © Steven Abbott 2020

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      Preface

      When I accidentally knocked over a nondescript jug and broke its handle, I assumed I could throw it in the bin. But no. It was my wife's orchid-watering jug and she made it clear that she would be most unimpressed if the book I was writing couldn't tell me the best way to fix it. That incident caused me to rethink my priorities. Of course, I was trying to make my writing interesting and of course I was trying to make the science clear and correct. However, was the book also going to be useful? It turned out in this case that what I'd already written about fixing handles was helpful and I could make a rational choice of a low viscosity (cheap) superglue, using a puff of breath to ensure enough catalyst (water) and a quick, decisive press and hold. I was also alert to the downsides of superglue – there was no going back. What I failed to do was practice the swift motions required for gluing the second piece of the handle. The result is a solid handle, fit for watering orchids, but with a crack that is more unsightly than it should have been.

      I also wanted the book to be more than just a book. A useful working assumption is “If it's not on YouTube then it doesn't exist”. To which we need to add, “If ‘it’ is more than 5 minutes then no one will watch it so it still doesn't exist”. So, the book comes with its own YouTube playlist (rsc.li/books-sticking-together) of informal, short videos which bring some of the science to life. You'll find a video about what's being discussed wherever you see the icon: