Molecules at an Exhibition: Portraits of Intriguing Materials in Everyday Life

by JohnEmsley (Author)

• Used

  Hardcover
  1998

  $3.25

  What is in chocolate that makes us feel good when we eat it? Which natural drug protects the heart? What is Nature's sleeping pill? What radioactive lifesaver should be in every home? And what is the clean, cold fuel for the coming century? The answers to these and to very many other intriguing questions are to be found in John Emsley's Molecules at an Exhibition , a portrait gallery featuring materials that affect every aspect of our daily lives. The collection ranges widely. There is a portrait of selenium, which prevents certain types of heart condition and is of use to the body in warding off cancer; a rich source is the Brazil nut. There is one of folic acid, which protects babies in the womb, and one of arachidonic acid, a lack of which can be a serious problem for premature babies. There are galleries devoted to the home, to the environment, and to materials that make life a little easier for us. And in a rogues' gallery there are molecules that can harm or kill us. This book is intended for the general public, particularly those who are concerned about food, health, and the environment.

• Used

  Paperback
  1999

  $3.25

• New

  Paperback
  2001

  $15.99

  What is it in chocolate that makes us feel good when we eat it? What's the molecule that turns men on? What's the secret of Coca-Cola? In this fascinating book, John Emsley takes us on a guided tour through a rogue's gallery of molecules, some harmful some pleasant, showing how they affect our lives. There are eight galleries in all, full of individual portraits on molecules that are to be found on a daily basis in the home, the environment, and in our bodies-from caffeine to teflon, nicotine to zinc. Find out how Mozart met his death, how Hitler could have saved the Third Reich from defeat, and many more interesting snippets in this highly entertaining, and often surprising book. 'A broad audience, regardless of whether it has a background in chemistry, will enjoy browsing and reading it.' Nature 'a fine example of popular science writing at its best. It is educational, interesting, may prove inspirational and therefore deserves to find a very wide readership.' THES 'highly readable and entertaining' New Scientist