Quick, what do you think is the greatest invention ever? Wait... before you answer, we offer an alternative question: what is the WORST invention ever? That might be a little harder, but it turns out there's stiff competition for that list.
Think of some of science's stumbles, like frontal lobotomies, chemical warfare, and margarine. Margarine? Not good for the heart.
Pediatrician/author Paul Offit narrows the list in his book Pandora's Lab: Seven Stories of Science Gone Wrong. There's plenty to laugh at here... and wince, too, when the author visits.