Positioned at the crossroads of the physical and
biological sciences, chemistry deals with neither the
infinitely small, nor the infinitely large, nor directly
with life. So it is sometimes thought of as dull, the
way things in the middle often are. But this middle
ground is precisely where human beings exist. As
Hoffmann shows in his inspired prose, the world observed
at its molecular level is complex and agitated, as are
the emotions of the supposedly dispassionate scientists
who explore it. In The Same and Not the Same the vital
tensions of chemistry are revealed; with down-to-earth
explanations, Hoffmann uncovers the polarities that
power, rend, and reform the world of molecules. When we
wash an apple before eating it, we are thinking not
merely of the dirt that may still be on it but of the
pesticides used in agricultural production. When we take
medication, we expect relief for our pain but also fear
side effects. The Same and Not the Same shows this
ambivalence to be only one of a number of dualities
pervading the world of molecules. The theme of identity,
reflected in the title of the book, is central to the
story. Other dualities, from stasis and dynamics, to
creation and discovery to the rich complexity of
revealing and concealing, are lucidly delineated for
nonscientist and scientist alike. The Same and Not the
Same also offers a rare and compelling personal
statement of the social responsibility of scientists.
Unabashedly confronting some of the major ethical
controversies in chemistry today, the book strives for
balance in facing the pressing ecological and
environmental concerns of our time.
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