“If You’re Not Part of the Solution You’re Part of the Precipitate/04%3A_Reactions_in_Aqueous_Solution/4.02%3A_Precipitation_Reactions)”
The phrase, “If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the precipitate,” cleverly twists a familiar activist slogan into a chemistry-themed quip. This clever wordplay has delighted both scientists and students for decades. It substitutes the scientific term ‘precipitate’ for ‘problem,’ creating a memorable punchline that has been widely shared and often misattributed.
The Journey of a Joke
This joke’s origins remain somewhat of a mystery. Source Although attributed to several notable figures, its true creator remains obscured by history. Over the years, the quip has appeared in various publications and contexts, adding to its mystique. In 1973, the earliest recorded instance appeared in the student newspaper of the Case Institute of Technology in Cleveland, Ohio. The version read, “You know you’ve been going out with a Chem E too long when you become part of the precipitate, rather than the solution” . This suggests the joke originated within academic chemistry circles.
The following year, Herb Caen, a columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle, reported seeing the phrase as graffiti at UC-Santa Cruz. This citation is significant as it indicates the joke’s spread through student culture, often a fertile ground for such clever wordplay.
A Joke Finds Its Way Into Popular Culture
By 1979, the Los Angeles Times featured the joke in an article about graffiti culture, highlighting its intellectual playfulness. University environments, particularly those steeped in scientific study, provided a rich backdrop for its proliferation. The joke’s appearance on buttons at Lunacon, a science fiction convention in 1980, further showcased its appeal beyond academic circles. Merchandise like T-shirts and buttons spread the wordplay to broader audiences.
David Foster Wallace’s inclusion of the line in his 1988 short story “Little Expressionless Animals” helped cement its place in literary circles. Wallace did not claim authorship, but his use of the phrase in dialogue underscored its humorous impact.
Misattributions and Fictional Origins
Wes Craven’s 1999 novel “Fountain Society” added a fictional twist to the joke’s history. The novel described graffiti supposedly written by young physicists, including Richard Feynman, during the Manhattan Project. This attribution, though fictional, further entwined the joke with famous names. The joke’s appearance in Garrison Keillor’s 2009 “A Prairie Home Companion Pretty Good Joke Book” expanded its reach, presenting it without attribution among other humorous observations.
The Legacy of Academic Humor
Despite its widespread use and numerous attributions, the joke’s true author remains unknown. It is a testament to the creativity and wit found within academic and scientific communities. Such environments often foster the development of clever wordplay, contributing to the rich tradition of academic humor.
In summary, the phrase “If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the precipitate” illustrates how humor can transcend its original context. It has traversed from student newspapers to literary works, gaining a life of its own. This chemistry joke continues to amuse and connect people across disciplines, proving that sometimes, the best jokes are those whose origins are as elusive as their punchlines.