Elements: A Visual History of Their Discovery

This book provides a chronological illustrated guide to the discovery of chemical elements over the past three millennia, from their trial-and-error craft to a rational modern science. It features 192 illustrations, including alchemical documents, portraits, color charts, woodcuts, advertisements, and postage stamps, and includes short interludes presenting important intellectual milestones in how we think about elements.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 09 September 2021
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

This comprehensive book offers a captivating journey through the discovery of chemical elements over the past three millennia, presented in a largely chronological format with an abundance of illustrations. It not only provides insights into our understanding of the composition of the universe but also delves into the evolution of chemistry from a haphazard craft of substance manipulation to a rational and systematic modern science. While other books have explored the properties and histories of chemical elements, none has achieved this in such a visually captivating manner. The closest comparison is Theodore Gray's renowned illustrated book, "The Elements," although this work takes a different historical approach. The visual material for this subject is truly rich, encompassing a wide array of captivating elements, including exquisite alchemical documents, striking portraits, color charts, detailed woodcuts of mining operations, artifacts such as John Dalton's wooden balls, advertisements promoting various remedies, and postage stamps.

The book is organized into separate sections for each individual element or groups of related elements, which are then arranged into chronological eras of element discovery. Within these sections, short interludes or "feature spreads" are included to highlight significant intellectual milestones in our understanding of elements. These interludes provide valuable perspectives and highlight the evolution of scientific thought over time.

With a total of 192 illustrations, this book offers a visual feast that enhances the reader's understanding and appreciation of the complex world of chemical elements. Whether you are a student, a scientist, or simply a curious mind, this book provides a valuable resource for exploring the fascinating history and evolution of these fundamental building blocks of matter.

Weight: 998g
Dimension: 198 x 256 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500024539