Synopses & Reviews
In this new edition of the book that was called "the most beautiful chemistry book ever written," Peter Atkins reveals the molecules responsible for the experiences of our everyday life in fabrics, drugs, plastics, explosives, detergents, fragrances, tastes, and sex. Atkins gives a non-technical account of a range of aspects of the world around us, revealing unexpected connections and insight into how it can be understood in terms of the atoms and molecules from which it is built. This new edition has dozens of new molecules, new graphic presentations, and a more accessible account of the molecules themselves. Peter Atkins is SmithKline Beecham Fellow and Tutor in Physical Chemistry at Oxford University. Atkins' research includes the fields of theoretical chemistry, particularly magnetic resonance and the electromagnetic properties of molecules. He spends virtually all his time writing books, which range from bestselling college textbooks to books on science for general audiences, including Galileo's Finger (Oxford, 2003); The Periodic Kingdom (Basic Books, 1997); The Second Law (W.H. Freeman, 1995); and Atoms, Electrons, and Change (W.H. Freeman, 1991). Previous Edition Paperback (W.H. Freeman, 1995) 0-7167-2928-8
Review
"This is undoubtedly the most beautiful chemistry book ever written..." New Scientist
Review
"We need to be reminded that matter, ordinary matter, is mysterious and magical...In Atkins delightful book, the Cinderella of chemistry begins to look a lot like a beautiful princess." The Boston Globe
Synopsis
This is a brand new edition of the book that was called 'the most beautiful chemistry book ever written'. In it, we see the molecules responsible for the experiences of our everyday lifeincluding fabrics, drugs, plastics, explosives, detergents, fragrances, tastes, and sex. With engaging prose Peter Atkins gives a non-technical account of an incredible range of aspects of the world around us, showing unexpected connections, and giving an insight into how this amazing world can be understood in terms of the atoms and molecules from which it is built. The new edition has dozens of new molecules, a completely new graphical presentation, and an even more accessible and enthralling account of the molecules themselves.
Synopsis
Atkins is one of the most respected authors in the field of chemistry textbooks. This book has pictures of common and not so common molecules followed by a descriptionwhere it is found, some history, and its significance.
Synopsis
This is a new edition of the book that was called 'the most beautiful chemistry book ever written'. The new edition has dozens of new molecules, a completely new graphical presentation, and an even more accessible and enthralling account of the molecules themselves.
Synopsis
New edition of the book that was called 'the most beautiful chemistry book ever written'.
About the Author
Peter Atkins is SmithKline Beecham Fellow and Tutor in Physical Chemistry at Oxford University. Atkins' research includes the fields of theoretical chemistry, particularly magnetic resonance and the electromagnetic properties of molecules. He spends virtually all his time writing books, which range from bestselling college textbooks to books on science for general audiences, including Galileo's Finger, The Periodic Kingdom, The Second Law, and Atoms, Electrons, and Change.
Table of Contents
Preface; Introduction; 1. Simple substances; 2. Fuels, fats and soaps; 3. Synthetic and natural polymers; 4. Taste, smell, and pain; 5. Sight and colour; 6. The light and the dark; 7. Life.