ENGLISH

The Elements: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)

By Philip Ball

Book information

Publisher
Oxford University Press
Year
2004
ISBN
0192840991, 9780192840998, 9781429459846
LCC
QD466 .B25 2004
Google Books ID
_V42vX1u2kMC
Open Library ID
OL3329152M
Language
english
Format
PDF
Filesize
8 MB (8202006 bytes)
Pages
193\193
Orientation
yes
Scanned
yes
Time added
2012-02-04 16:00:00

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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