Description

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As one of the most recognizable images in science, the periodic table is ingrained in our culture. First drawn up in 1869 by Dmitri Mendeleev, its 118 elements make up not only everything on our planet but also everything in the entire universe.

The Periodic Table looks at the fascinating story and surprising uses of each of those elements, whether solid, liquid or gas. From the little-known uses of gold in medicine to the development of the hydrogen bomb, each entry is accompanied by technical data (category, atomic number, weight, boiling point) presented in easy-to-read headers, and a colour coding system that helps the reader to navigate through the different groups of elements.

A remarkable display of thought-provoking science and beautiful photography, this guide will allow the reader to discover the world afresh.

About the Author

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Dr. Paul Parsons is a regular contributor to Nature, New Scientist and the Daily Telegraph. He frequently appears on BBC radio and his television credits include Richard & Judy and BBC Breakfast. He was formerly editor of award-winning BBC science and technology magazine Focus. His latest book, The Science of Doctor Who (Icon Books), was longlisted for the Royal Society Prize for Science Books.

Praise For…

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"Each element gets a minimum two-page spread, consisting of one page of narrative detailing important facts about the element facing a large, full-color photograph of the element itself. The useful, simple nature of the material and the price point make this a must-have for all science shelves."—Rebecca Vnuk, Booklist

"This handy scientific reference canvasses the "building blocks" of all matter in a convenient, richly illustrated layout. It is packed with all the pertinent information necessary to gain a solid understanding of the chemical world . . One by one, the elements are each presented within a format that alternates from a page of lucid description to a captioned visual representation for each that pops in lively colors from a white background . . . This is an outstanding resource for high school and college chemistry students and anyone with a scientific curiosity."—Brian Odom, Library Journal