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The Elements
Philip Ball
€ 13.99
€ 11.44
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Description for The Elements
Paperback. 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 takes us on a tour: from the Greek philosophers who propounded a system with four elements to the modern-day scientists who are able to create their own. Series: Very Short Introductions. Num Pages: 192 pages, numerous halftones & line drawings. BIC Classification: PNK. Category: (G) General (US: Trade). Dimension: 174 x 111 x 11. Weight in Grams: 152.
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 and meitnerium. 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.
Product Details
Publisher
Oxford University Press United Kingdom
Number of pages
186
Format
Paperback
Publication date
2004
Series
Very Short Introductions
Condition
New
Number of Pages
192
Place of Publication
Oxford, United Kingdom
ISBN
9780192840998
SKU
V9780192840998
Shipping Time
Usually ships in 4 to 8 working days
Ref
99-2
About Philip Ball
Philip Ball is a science writer and a consultant editor for Nature, where he was formerly an editor for physical science for over 10 years. He writes about all areas of science for the international press, and has broadcast on TV and radio. His previous books include Designing the Molecular World, The Self-Made Tapestry, H20: A Biography of Water, and Stories of the Invisible: A guided tour of molecules. He holds a degree in chemistry from Oxford University and a doctorate in physics from Bristol University. He lives in London, where his Homunculus Theatre Company occasionally performs on a shoestring budget.
Reviews for The Elements
Ball is one of the most prolific and imaginative of contemporary science writers. He has plenty of attitude, boasts a fine knowledge of visual art and a literary sensibility, and his science is encyclopaedic.
Chemistry in Britain
A delight of a book.... Elegantly written...it's far-reaching, entertaining and salted with anecdote.... It could become a classic. Hold on to your first edition
Roy Herbert, New Scientist
engaging tour of the chemical elements
Sunday Telegraph
Philip Ball's book is an excellent introduction. I would have loved the book as an enthusiastic sixteen year-old and I would recommend it as a Christmas present to anyone at that age, and to journalists who may occasionally wish to appear smarter than they actually are.
Simon Robinson, Chemistry and Industry
a series of invigorating dips
Guardian
Ball's choices are sound, his style is attractive
Evening Standard
Ball brings the periodic table to life
Maia Weinstock, Discover
A beautifully written and elegantly illustrated synthesis of chemistry and culture. Popularization of science at its very best.
Sir John Meurig Thomas, University of Cambridge
The book contains some delightful anecdotes
David Johnson, Times Higher Educational Supplement
Chemistry in Britain
A delight of a book.... Elegantly written...it's far-reaching, entertaining and salted with anecdote.... It could become a classic. Hold on to your first edition
Roy Herbert, New Scientist
engaging tour of the chemical elements
Sunday Telegraph
Philip Ball's book is an excellent introduction. I would have loved the book as an enthusiastic sixteen year-old and I would recommend it as a Christmas present to anyone at that age, and to journalists who may occasionally wish to appear smarter than they actually are.
Simon Robinson, Chemistry and Industry
a series of invigorating dips
Guardian
Ball's choices are sound, his style is attractive
Evening Standard
Ball brings the periodic table to life
Maia Weinstock, Discover
A beautifully written and elegantly illustrated synthesis of chemistry and culture. Popularization of science at its very best.
Sir John Meurig Thomas, University of Cambridge
The book contains some delightful anecdotes
David Johnson, Times Higher Educational Supplement