Elemental: How the Periodic Table Can Now Explain (Nearly) Everything 1st Edition, Kindle Edition

My last chemistry class was my freshman year of college in 1979. Had a year of chemistry in high school a few years earlier. Lots of numbers and balancing equations. The author takes us through a fun history Domo of discovery and invention, with spicy stories of death and destruction, and the ways in which chemistry advanced the human condition.Many negative reviewers here: I think they are taking themselves and chemistry too seriously. This book will make chemistry more accessible to readers of any age. I think many middle school kids would enjoy and benefit from this book.

I get the impression that James greatly enjoyed writing this book and wants to share that joy with us while providing numerous interesting observations about the periodic table and our lives today. I read many science books yet I found some new perspectives and facts here. The last chapter was particularly humorous. Wonderful book. I read the print version while listening to the audible.com version (narrated by Roger Davis) and found the accent and enunciation to be charming. It seems that Davis enjoyed reading it as much as James enjoyed writing it. Thanks to both of you.

This book gives a good overview of how the element chart came to be along with some clever interpretations and descriptions of the elements and their impact on life. The book could use a better editor however, since .00001 is ten to the minus five, not ten to the minus six (same with the negative log).

I told my mom to get a copy for my younger siblings at home. This book totally makes science fun. The author has a great story for every element, and you learn something new on every page. Highly recommend.

This book is a really good explanation of the periodic table and how it came about. It is well written in a mostly non-technical style, yet when technical terms are necessary clear explanations are provided. It also has a number of annexes that go into great details, but they are not necessary for comprehension. While the author was at explaining the periodic table he also provided explanations on several common chemical processes that are interesting and and of themselves. Highly recommended.

This book is great for anyone even remotely interested in chemistry. It's a quick and fun read for those looking for an upbeat and easy to follow approach to the basics. Is it McQuarrie's book on Physical Chemistry? No. And it's not meant to be! His other book, Fundamental, is also worth checking out if you want to learn a bit of basic quantum!

Got a lot of knowledge with enjoy reading.

This book is accurate to its title and may be recommended for a well-organized introduction to the Periodic Table. The author shows a solid command of the subject matter, has a fine writing style, and the material is interesting and informative.

Enjoying the book some time ago, I wanted to read it again. Due to wrist fracture, I couldn't keep the pages held back therefor, I decided to order it again, but this time on Kindle.What makes this book so enjoyable is his sence of humor. Tim puts over the various subjects, which any person can understand and does not get side tracked through a subject.He explains the truth how diamonds are formed: debunks the myth. He explains how acids work, fire, and many other subjects, including quantum mechanics.Many feel nervous regarding the subject on quantum mechanics, but with Tim at the wheel, he puts the subject over so well, you will follow it with ease.I highly recommend this book.

A good-humoured romp through the bizarre,almost magical world of the sub,sub microscopic.Engagingly written,highly informative and,above all,clear.(Well as clear as Chemistry,with it's many,many mysteries,can be.) Best of all,when something is unknown or intrinsically inexplicable,the author candidly admits the fact and doesn't try to dodge or fudge the issue,like some science writers. As good a guide to basic Chemistry as you'll find and a lot more entertaining than the ones I remember from school!

I was aware that once my son hit 13 he gradually stopped reading books and became glues to his tech devices - pc and phone. I went online for inspiration and was recommended this book. My son is a bright, slightly geeky kid and this suited him perfectly. It is in small chapters, has some illustrations and is funny. I saw him (and his dad) dip in and out of the book and giggle.

If you have a curious mind and want to know interesting facts on the elements then this is the book for you. It’s quite challenging in places but it’s written with humour and in a way that most people could grasp. I was surprised I could understand the chapter on Quantum Leaps! Great fun!

I have worked in the chemical industry for over thirty years and have never really understood the Periodic Table but having read and been totally absorbed by the writings I now have a much improved knowledge of these fascinating elements described by the author. My grateful thanks to you.