Here is a sample of chemistry-related books that are new to Gleeson Library. To view additional titles, see New Chemistry Books on the library website.
The Elements of Marie Curie: How the Glow of Radium Lit a Path for Women in Science
Marie Curie, the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two scientific fields, was a pioneering physicist and chemist who revolutionized our understanding of radioactivity. Dava Sobel’s biography not only highlights Curie’s groundbreaking research but also her personal life, including her role as a professor, mother, and wartime volunteer. The book explores Curie’s lasting impact on science and her inspiration to generations of women scientists. Sobel uniquely frames Curie’s story alongside the achievements of her female protégés and her daughter Irène, showcasing the far-reaching legacy of this remarkable scientist who broke barriers in a male-dominated field.
MetachemistryRuthenberg explores chemistry’s unique philosophical foundations, arguing that conventional metaphysics based on physics fails to capture chemistry’s essence. He examines key chemical concepts like affinity, emergence, and reactivity, drawing on insights from notable chemists such as Wald, Ostwald, Paneth, and Primas. The author integrates historical and philosophical perspectives to highlight chemistry’s distinct features, including compositionism, synthesis/analysis, and the nature of chemical bonds. Ruthenberg concludes, echoing Kant, that chemistry is a systematic art, emphasizing its metachemical fundamentals that set it apart from other sciences.
Chemistry for Breakfast: The Amazing Science of Everyday Life
In Chemistry for Breakfast, award-winning chemist Mai Thi Nguyen-Kim explores the fascinating chemistry behind everyday life. Using a relatable and humorous style, she explains how chemical processes influence everything from waking up to baking and even space travel. Through a day in her life, she covers topics like biological clocks, stress hormones, food preservation, and the chemistry of love. With engaging illustrations and clear explanations, the book makes complex science accessible and fun, showing that chemistry is everywhere—if you know where to look. Perfect for anyone curious about the science behind the ordinary.
Sisters of Prometheus: Unmasking Women’s Achievements in Chemistry
This monograph explores the participation of women in alchemy, chemical crafts, and the early stages of modern chemistry. By contextualizing their achievements within the broader social, cultural, and scientific landscapes of their time, this book enables readers to seize the challenges these women confronted and the obstacles they triumphed over. Alongside narrating how they shaped the development of chemistry, including their contributions to the body of chemical literature, it also emphasizes pivotal moments and milestones in the history of women’s emancipation. The book’s comprehensive and integrative approach, complemented by engaging storytelling, renders it an indispensable resource for students, researchers, and general readers alike.
Chain Reactions: The Hopeful History of Uranium
“Chain Reactions” explores uranium’s multifaceted history and its impact on science, culture, and society. The book delves into uranium’s diverse applications, from glassmaking and medicine to atomic weapons and energy production. It examines how our understanding of uranium has evolved, influencing public perception and shaping attitudes towards nuclear technology. By presenting a comprehensive global history of this element, the author aims to foster a more balanced discussion about the potential role of nuclear power in our future. This nuanced approach encourages readers to reconsider their views on atomic energy and its feasibility in addressing contemporary energy challenges.
The Names of Science: Terminology and Language in the History of the Natural Sciences
“The Names of Science” by Helge Kragh explores the historical evolution of scientific terminology from the Renaissance to the present. The book examines how new words entered the scientific lexicon, their origins, and why some terms survived while others didn’t. Kragh combines linguistics with the history of natural sciences, offering a unique perspective on scientific language development. The work covers various scientific fields, including physics, chemistry, astronomy, and cosmology, and briefly discusses how English became the dominant language of science. Unlike other works, this book emphasizes the historical dimension of scientific language and scientists’ role as unintentional linguists.
The Chemistry Book“The Chemistry Book” is a comprehensive guide to the fundamental concepts and historical milestones of chemistry. It covers key themes in physical and natural sciences, presenting over 95 ideas and events chronologically. The book explores atomic theory, geochemistry, elements, and recent developments like COVID-19 vaccines. It features profiles of influential scientists, including Nobel laureates, and addresses fundamental questions about the universe’s composition. With simple graphics, flowcharts, and mind maps, it makes complex concepts accessible. The book offers a global perspective on chemical discoveries and innovations throughout history, making it suitable for students, science enthusiasts, and general readers seeking to understand chemistry’s core principles and its impact on our world.
Carbon: A Biography“Carbon: A Biography” explores the multifaceted nature of carbon beyond its role in climate change. The fourth most abundant element in the universe and second in the human body, carbon is the basis of all known life. With applications ranging from jewelry to pharmaceuticals, carbon’s versatility has shaped human civilization. Authors Bensaude-Vincent and Loeve present a comprehensive history of carbon, highlighting its importance in nature, culture, and society. They argue that reducing carbon to a villain oversimplifies its significance. The book offers a nuanced perspective on carbon’s impact, encouraging readers to reconsider its role in our world and view our existence through a new lens.
It’s Elemental: The Hidden Chemistry in Everything
Dr. Kate Biberdorf’s “It’s Elemental” unveils the chemistry in our daily lives, from bread-making to coffee’s energizing effects. This accessible guide demystifies complex scientific concepts, showing how chemistry shapes our everyday experiences. Biberdorf, a charismatic TV personality, uses wit and enthusiasm to ignite readers’ passion for science, offering a fresh perspective on the world through the lens of chemistry.
Emerging Carbyne: Truly One-Dimensional Form of Carbon
Carbyne, a linear carbon chain allotrope, has fascinated scientists for over a century. Recent advancements in synthesis techniques and analytical methods have confirmed its existence, marking a significant milestone in carbon material research. As a one-dimensional nanowire with atomic diameter, carbyne represents a unique form of carbon alongside graphite (2D) and diamond (3D). This book explores the cutting-edge chemical and physical synthesis methods for carbyne, its theoretically predicted properties, and potential applications. Carbyne’s characteristics as a 1D semiconductor with a direct energy gap and exceptional mechanical strength make it a promising material for various technological applications.
Book summaries composed with AI-assistance.