Author Description
This Is A Book About Discovery And Disaster, Exploitation And Invention, Warfare And Science - And The Relationship Between Human Beings And The Chemical Elements That Make Up Our Planet. Lars Ohrstrom Introduces Us To A Variety Of Elements From S To Pb Through Tales Of Ordinary And Extraordinary People From Around The Globe. We Meet African Dictators Controlling Vital Supplies Of Uranium; Eighteenth-century Explorers Searching Out Sources Of Precious Metals; Industrial Spies Stealing The Secrets Of Steel-making. We Find Out Why The Hindenburg Airship Was Tragically Filled With Hydrogen, Not Helium; Why Nail-varnish Remover Played A Key Part In World War I; And The Real Story Behind The Legend Of Tin Buttons And The Downfall Of Napoleon. In Each Chapter, We Find Out About The Distinctive Properties Of Each Element And The Concepts And Principles That Have Enabled Scientists To Put It To Practical Use. These Are The Fascinating (and Sometimes Terrifying) Stories Of Chemistry In Action.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This book investigates the complex and often volatile relationship between human history and the chemical elements that constitute our physical world. Lars Öhrström, a professor of inorganic chemistry, utilizes historical anecdotes and scientific analysis to demonstrate how specific elements have influenced geopolitical events, industrial progress, and human tragedy. By framing chemical properties through the lens of human endeavor, the author provides a framework for understanding the practical applications and societal impacts of the periodic table.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Historical case studies ranging from the eighteenth century to the modern era.
- Explanations of chemical properties for elements spanning from Sulfur to Lead.
- Analysis of the intersection between chemistry, warfare, and industrial espionage.
Scope Limits
- The text does not provide a comprehensive textbook-style overview of every element in the periodic table.
- It focuses primarily on narrative-driven historical examples rather than deep-dive theoretical chemistry.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Readers and educators frequently note that the prose successfully bridges the gap between academic chemistry and accessible historical storytelling. Experts highlight this as a valuable resource for contextualizing scientific principles within the broader scope of human history.
Page Count:
272
Publication Date:
2013-01-01
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
019163705X
ISBN-13:
9780191637056
Non-Fiction
Science
Popular Science
Science History
Chemistry
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