MadSci Network: Earth Sciences
Query:

Re: at what temperature does paper burn?

Area: Earth Sciences
Posted By: Philip Plait, Astronomer/Programmer
Date: Mon Aug 11 15:55:39 1997
Area of science: Earth Sciences
ID: 869111621.Es
Message:
When the author Ray Bradbury was writing a book about a future
society which had banned books and enforced this ban by burning them,
he decided to name the book after the burning point of paper. 
I have heard he called lots of scientist friends, but none could tell him
at what temperature paper burned. With a flash of insight, he called the
local fire department. Without hesitating, the fireman said "451 degrees".
Bradbury named the book "Fahrenheit 451". 

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