Synopses & Reviews
The Elements: A Very Short Introduction is an exciting and non-traditional approach to understanding the terminology, properties, and classification of chemical elements. Author Philip Ball traces the history and cultural impact of the elements on humankind, and examines why people have long sought to identify the substances around them. The book includes chapters on particular elements such as gold, iron, and oxygen, showing how they shaped culture and technology. Looking beyond the Periodic Table, the author examines our relationship with matter, from the uncomplicated vision of the Greek philosophers, who believed there were four elements earth, air, fire, and water to the work of modern-day scientists in creating elements such as hassium and meitnerium. Packed with anecdotes, The Elements is a highly engaging and entertaining exploration of the fundamental question: what is the world made from?
Review
"A delight of a book.... Elegantly written...far-reaching, entertaining and salted with anecdote.... It could become a classic."--New Scientist
"Ball brings the periodic table to life."--Discover
"Philip Ball's book is an excellent introduction."--Chemistry and Industry
"The book contains some delightful anecdotes."--Times Higher Educational Supplement (London)
Synopsis
This Very Short Introduction is an exciting and non-traditional approach to understanding the terminology, properties, and classification of chemical elements. It traces the history and cultural impact of the elements on humankind, and examines why people have long sought to identify the substances around them. The book includes chapters on particular elements such as gold, iron, and oxygen, showing how they shaped culture and technology. Looking beyond the Periodic Table, the author examines our relationship with matter, from the uncomplicated vision of the Greek philosophers, who believed there were four elements--earth, air, fire, and water--to the work of modern-day scientists in creating elements such as hassium and meitnerium. Packed with anecdotes, The Elements is a highly engaging and entertaining exploration of the fundamental question: what is the world made from?
About the Author
Philip Ball is a science writer and a consultant editor for Nature, where he was formerly an editor for physical science for over 10 years. He writes about all areas of science for the international press, and has broadcast on TV and radio. His previous books include Designing the Molecular World, The Self-Made Tapestry, H20: A Biography of Water, and Stories of the Invisible: A Guided Tour of Molecules. Mr. Ball holds a degree in chemistry from Oxford University and a doctorate in physics from Bristol University. He lives in London, where his Homunculas Theatre Company occasionally performs on a shoestring budget.
Table of Contents
1. Aristotle's Quartet: The elements in antiquity
2. Revolution: How oxygen changed the world
3. Gold: The most desirable element
4. The Eightfold Path: Organizing the elements
5. The Atom Factories: Making new elements
6. The Chemical Brothers: Why isotopes are useful
7. For All Practical Purposes: Technologies of the elements
End notes
Further reading