Feynman once selected, as the single most important
statement in science, that everything is made of atoms.
It follows that the properties of everything depend on
how these atoms are joined together, giving rise to the
vast field we know of today as chemistry. In this unique
book specifically written to bridge the gap between
chemistry and the layman, Braterman has put together a
series of linked essays on chemistry related themes that
are particularly engaging. The book begins with the age
of the earth, and concludes with the life cycle of
stars. In between, there are atoms old and new, the
ozone hole mystery and how it was solved, synthetic
fertilisers and explosives, reading the climate record,
the extraction of metals, the wetness of water, and how
the greenhouse effect on climate really works. A chapter
in praise of uncertainty leads on to the 'fuzziness' and
sharing of electrons, and from there to molecular shape,
grass-green and blood-red, the wetness of water, and
molecular recognition as the basis of life. Organised in
such a way as to illustrate and develop underlying
principles and approaches, this book will appeal to
anyone interested in chemistry, as well as its history
and key personalities. Where many other titles have
failed, this book succeeds brilliantly in capturing the
spirit and essence of chemistry and delivering the
science in easily digestible terms. |
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