ENGLISH

The Elements: A Very Short Introduction

By Philip Ball

Book information

Publisher
Oxford University Press
Year
2004
ISBN
0192840991, 9780192840998
Language
english
Format
DJVU
Filesize
1 MB (1474460 bytes)
Pages
186\193
Topic
Chemistry
Time added
2013-05-26 19:57:04

Description

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?

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