H2-Woes
H2-Woes
Extra Stupid, Math & Science, Pharmacy, UK | Right | February 10, 2019
(I am working in the back of a pharmacy. A coworker who is on the front comes in to ask a question.)
Coworker: “What ointments don’t have dihydrogen monoxide?”
Me: “Don’t have what?”
Coworker: “Dihydrogen monoxide. A customer says she deathly allergic to it.”
(Humoured by the statement and assuming it’s a joke, I follow [Coworker] out.)
Me: “Sorry, what was your query?”
Customer: *sighs* “What creams don’t have dihydrogen monoxide? I’m so allergic to it that even the slightest touch could kill me.”
Me: “Umm, is this a joke?”
Customer: “Absolutely not! How dare you?!”
Me: “It’s just that dihydrogen monoxide is water, like the bottle of Vittel in your hand.”
Customer: “No, I am allergic to dihydrogen monoxide, and I need a cream that doesn’t have it.”
Me: “Do you know what water is also expressed as? H2–”
Customer: “–H2O. Yes, I know that.”
Me: “And that means water is made of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen?”
Customer: “I don’t see how this has anything to do with—“
Me: “Two hydrogen, di — Dihydrogen. And one oxygen, mono — monoxide. Water and dihydrogen monoxide are literally the same thing.”
Customer: *blank look*
Me: “For all I know, you could have an allergy to water, but since that is rare and you didn’t know that they were the same, I’m assuming you don’t?”
Customer: “This is ridiculous. I am allergic to dihydrogen monoxide, and if you can provide me with cream that doesn’t have it, I will find somewhere that does!” *storms out*
Me: “Good luck with that!”
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