American physiologist and entomologist Vincent Dethier (1914–1993) spent most of his life researching chemical responses in insects. He wrote numerous articles and books, both for the general public and specifically for children. To Know a Fly, perhaps his most famous book, is considered one of the classic books in entomology. The book details physiological research on flies, particularly with regard to chemoreception (how an organism responds to a chemical stimulus, most often through taste or smell)—all with a touch of humor.