The Elements: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) 1st Edition by Philip Ball (PDF)

Description

This Very Short Introduction traces the history and cultural impact of the elements on humankind, and examines why people have long sought to identify the substances around them. 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 andmeitnerium. Packed with anecdotes, The Elements is a highly engaging and entertaining exploration of the fundamental question: what is the world made from?ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

User’s Reviews

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐This book effectively breaks down the elements found on the periodic table and more. Though there were some areas that were tedious to read through — especially if have a hard time keeping up with the science jargon — the author successfully provides evidence on how the elements that are both fundamental and man-made play a major role in creating and providing for our global society.

⭐If you are familiar with this series, you will not be surprised to learn that this book is not a conventional tour of the periodic table. In fact, the table does not make an appearance until half way through. Part of what the author does is to illustrate the impact of Earth’s elements on human history. The stories of oxygen and gold are singled out for particular attention. This is not the book you need for a first chemistry course. It is what you need to get you enthused about the subject, to help you appreciate what an exciting and significant discipline it can be.This fine series is slightly marred by a tendency to typographic error. This book is no exception, and you will struggle to make sense of figure 15(b). Oddly, in the list of figures at the front, there is a request that readers notify the publishers of errors in the list. I don’t think I’ve seen anything quite like that in any book before. It suggests that they realize they have a proofreading problem. Instead of asking readers to be on the alert, wouldn’t it be better just to have a word with the printer?At 179 pages, this is one of the longer entries in the series, and every page glows with the author’s enthusiasm for his subject. It adopts a rambling, somewhat unstructured approach but is packed full of fascinating historical and scientific detail. And yes, when the author does finally get around to the periodic table, he gives as good an explanation of it as you will find anywhere.

⭐I am an adult who is trying to relearn all the science and engineering I learned back in my student days. I read this book a a supplement to reading formal textbooks and academic study materials. This book uses stories and anecdotes about the discovery and use of elements to tell the history of Chemistry and cement the ideas into your mind. It is an enjoyable read in addition to being informative.

⭐I would have hoped for a more comprehensive survey of the elements. Although it is a small book, and I should have noted the fact of it being small when I bought it. It briefly discusses gold as an important historical element, and touches on nuclear reactions. Not very long and kind of a waste of time. I will be careful not to purchase such small books as in this series. I would learn more from a textbook.

⭐Very good reading for beginners in the field of sciences. As many other books about the chemical elements, it has interesting aspects since Greek times to modern times. Highly recommended for teachers and students, like some other titles of this series… “A very short ….”I read the book in only one day

⭐Very informative and concise.

⭐This books gives a quite discursive information about elements.

⭐As advertised

⭐If you need a succinct account about the elements-this short introduction is the book for you. Well set out and easy to understand. If you need something to get you in the mood, I would suggest Angels and Alchemists by A Hall (no relation). Also ‘Periodic Tales’ is a good read for the budding chemist.

⭐Another excellent OUP. book recommended!!

⭐Excellent

⭐Bought new.

⭐Great, above my expectations!

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