Editorial Review

The Periodic Table is one of man's crowning scientific achievements. But it's also a treasure trove of stories of passion, adventure, betrayal, and obsession. The infectious tales and astounding details in THE DISAPPEARING SPOON follow carbon, neon, silicon, and gold as they play out their parts in human history, finance, mythology, war, the arts, poison, and the lives of the (frequently) mad scientists who discovered them.

Reviews

Accessible science for any age, July 2, 2010
I have to confess I didn't pay much attention to chemistry. Once the instructor talked about electrons, protons, atoms and the nucleus I usually turned on my Walkman (the cassette kind, now antique!). It never seemed interesting because it wasn't something that related at all to real life. If I had a teacher like Sam Kean, however, that could have been different.

Fast forward too many years, and now I'm engrossed in this nonfiction 'memoir' of the Periodic Table of Elements. Like any good biography, this has scandal, lies, fraud, madness, explosions (!!!) and lots of name-dropping. Kean explains just what the periodic table is, but in a format that reads more like a novel, with anecdotal details to liven it up. Mercury pills were used by Lewis and Clark for their health? Yep, and you can trace their path (um, at least their bathroom trips on their journey) by where scientists have found unusually high amounts of mercury in the soil. The poet Robert Lowell? Did lithium ruin his work by making him sane? Who knew the lies and fraud and mind games played by scientists intent on getting a Nobel Prize!

There's no getting around it, this is a book that makes you think. It's not simple and it assumes you have a basic knowledge of science. Some areas were over my head, but not for long. Kean is a wonderful teacher with a sassy wise guy voice that livens up any of the deeper areas.

Periodic Table Tour de Force, July 13, 2010
Sam Kean has written a marvelous book that will delight general readers and experts alike. The writing is crisp and sharp and includes an unusual political savyness for somebody treating scientific issues. Kean uses his journalistic skills to succeed in doing what many, perhaps most, academics fail to do when presenting the relevance of chemistry to the real world. Not just applications but also how the history of individual elements has affected the lives of ordinary people. See for example his account of niobium and tantalum. Then there are chapters that weave together the lives of famous chemists and physicists such as one on Segre and Pauling, all in the context of the discovery of elements and developments in twentieth century chemistry and physics. Technicalities are kept to a minimum and when necessary explanations are provided in a clear and lucid manner.
Everybody should read this book, period.

Dr. Eric Scerri, author of The Periodic Table, Its Story and Its Significance, Oxford University Press, 2006.

A fun and interesting read!, July 14, 2010
I love books but only have so much time, so I'm pretty careful about what I choose to read. I heard great things about this book through word of mouth, and it didn't disappoint! Kean does a masterful job of explaining the interesting facts and stories behind the elements that make up our universe in a way that's easy to understand and fun to read. Especially for people like me, who love to learn...but maybe spent more time in high school science class shooting spitwads than actually reading our boring text books! With "The Disappearing Spoon," Kean truly makes science and history come alive--I highly recommend!

Worth its weight in Au, July 24, 2010
This book is going to join a very select group of those which I have read multiple times. There is so much fun and interesting information in this work that I suspect I will keep finding new things upon another go-around. Sam Kean has created what is truly a scientific masterpiece with this book.

Breaking up the periodic table into various sections which blend the elements into tales of science, politics, medicine, and philosophy--to name just a few--Kean pulls off the magic trick of making the dreaded periodic table exciting and interesting again. There is no shortage of future conversation-starting facts and tidbits in this book. I confess that in some parts I had to go through it rather slowly to make sure I understood what I was reading, because the breadth of the book is very impressive and roams all over physics and chemistry. But trust me when I say that I have serious doubts that anyone could have made the science more accessible than the author of this book. It may be the case that experts in some of the more esoteric areas about which he writes might quibble about over-simplification, but for the general reader, the book is a fine example of how to bring science out of its perceived shell of boredom.

This book was an absolute trifecta for me, including science, humor, and suspense wrapped up with some brilliant writing into a near-perfect package. I read it on my Kindle but am going to buy a hard copy for my library. A big thank-you to Sam Kean for such an enjoyable read.

Start in Chapter 2, August 15, 2010
As a professor of chemistry, I have to say I was a bit worried after reading Chapter 1 of this book. A great case study in classic misconceptions -- that there is something "satisfying" for an atom to have a complete octet, for example, or that lungs regularly deal with carbon dioxide and so "see nothing wrong with absorbing its cousin, SiO2...." or that in chemical compounds, "rings are states of high tension" just to cite a few.

But overall, it was a great read. Kean has a great sense of comic timing and is a wonderful story teller. I especially enjoyed the story of aluminum (aka aluminium), which I had never heard.

Just ignore most of the chemistry being "taught"! Start in Chapter 2.

Terrific!, August 3, 2010
From Sam Kean:
"I ended up with an honors degree in physics, but [...] my real education was in my professors' stories. [...] I realized that there's a funny, or odd, or chilling tale attached to every element on the periodic table."

Kean came to those professors already primed for their stories -- by having been fascinated to find mercury not only in the Periodic Table of science class but also in his childhood thermometers ... and in literature's mad hatter ... and in the mercury-laxative leftovers discovered in Lewis & Clark's trail of latrines.

Though I didn't keep strict track, I think Kean includes a tale for every single element in this terrific book. And while he did so, he opened my eyes to things I'd forgotten (or not ever known!!), for example:

* Chemistry is based on atoms' electrons and physics on their nuclei;
* "Alchemy" is true: every element traces back to the fusion of solar hydrogen atoms;
* The familiar Periodic Table is just one of many potential configurations of the elements, some of which are 3D;
* There are more than three states of matter;
* Our bodies don't monitor whether we're inhaling enough oxygen, only that we're exhaling enough carbon dioxide;
* Midas was real as well as fictional;
* Why sci-fi life-forms are based on silicon;
* Why Americans call it "aluminum" but it's "aluminium" to everybody else.

There's chemistry here, and physics and biology. But there's also astronomy, geology, history, politics, warfare, economics, gender studies, human ambition and inter-personal conflict. And there's a whole lotta humor. There are also dozens of entertaining and informative endnotes, suggestions for further reading, and an index. The only way to make it even better would be to read it alongside Theodore Gray's The Elements.

(Review based on an advance reading copy provided by the publisher.)

Opinion of a chemist, July 29, 2010
Kean strikes a good balance between entertaining and informing. He blends the history of chemistry, the science of chemistry, and entertaining anecdotes - all relayed in a clear style with mostly nontechnical language.

I noticed some errors in his discussion of fluorescence and phosphorescence, but overall it is a very well researched book.

A Fantastic Book - A Real Page Turner, August 22, 2010
If this guy (Sam Kean) had been my Chem teacher, I would be headed for a Nobel Prize.

A great read with info that sticks to you like duck tape

Read this and ignore the bad (3 star) Reviews.

A Very Lively and Sweeping Portrayal of Science, August 8, 2010
This is five-star science writing at its best. Although the book's main theme is the periodic table of the elements - chemistry's rallying point - the scientific fields that are discussed are quite diverse. They include: various branches of physics, geology, palaeontology, biology and several others. But that's not all. The scientific discussions are blended into a backdrop of archaeology, history - from ancient through medieval to modern - as well as the occasional political and social machinations. And last, but definitely not least, the author has enriched almost every page with the ever-present, always-fascinating, often-confrontational and sporadically-baffling human element that many authors often omit.

As pointed out by at least one other reviewer, there are some technical errors; I found some in the discussions involving radioactivity and nuclear physics. But these minor shortcomings do not detract from the book's important qualities.

The writing style is very lively, friendly, often humorous/tongue-in-cheek, entertaining, widely accessible, never boring and quite captivating. In short: a page-turner. This book can be thoroughly enjoyed by anyone, especially those with a fascination for science: how it works, how some discoveries came about, some of the people involved (ancient to recent) and science's wonderful history. It is also a special treat for science buffs. I believe that this work is an important contribution towards making science understandable and fun for the general population. It may even inspire future Nobel Prize winners. To the author: well done!!

I'm reminded to take my dose of lithium, August 22, 2010
"Between hydrogen at the top left and the man-made impossibilities lurking along the bottom, you can find bubbles, bombs, money, alchemy, petty politics, history, poison, crime and love. Even some science." - Sam Kean (stating perhaps the briefest possible synopsis of his THE DISAPPEARING SPOON

"Never underestimate spite as a motivator for genius." - Sam Kean

In THE DISAPPEARING SPOON, science writer Sam Kean attempts to do what Bill Bryson does with his magnificent A Short History of Nearly Everything, i.e. tap dance with humor over a wide-ranging subject for the entertainment and edification of the reader. In the Bryson's case, the arena is, well, nearly everything, while Kean's is a much more constricted stage, the Periodic Table of the Elements. The fact that the former performs more nimbly shouldn't dissuade one from reading the latter's book, which is, for the most part, a work of popular science that's likely to be both engaging and largely comprehensible to the sweaty masses. (It's currently in the mid-90s outside. Schvitzy work, this.)

Sam doesn't proceed through the squares of the Periodic Table in an orderly progression as one might progress across the squares of a hopscotch court from start to finish, but rather jumps around randomly, the element of the moment being determined by a larger context whether that be its relation to medicine, money, poisons, explosive weaponry, temperature, tools of measurement, gold rushes, human insanity, misguided science, artistic output, or the politics of the Nobel prize.

Occasionally, the author becomes a bit too arcane and the reader not heavily grounded in chemistry (or physics!) may find his/her eyes glazing over, such as when he discusses bubble chemistry, superatoms, quantum dots, the alpha constant, or electron jumps between orbitals. And when the narrative became wrapped up in the personalities and rivalries of the investigators involved in the discovery of the transuranic elements, I had to ask myself if I cared much about the soap opera. The answer was "no." Generally speaking, however, the tales Kean has to tell are interesting and worth storing away in memory to retell around the office coffee maker or as part of interesting small talk at the next cocktail party (even if there are no chemistry geeks in attendance). Who knows? It may be useful to rescue a lagging conversation by declaring that the longest word ever to appear legitimately in an English document not for the purpose of setting a length record names a protein in the tobacco mosaic virus:

"Acetyl seryl tyrosyl seryl iso leucyl threonyl seryl prolyl serylglutaminyl phenyl alanyl valyl phenyl alanyl leucyl seryl seryl valyltryptophyl alanyl aspartyl prolyl isoleucyl glutamyl leucyl leucylasparaginyl valyl cysteinyl threonyl seryl seryl leucyl glycylasparaginyl glutaminyl phenyl alanyl glutaminyl threonyl glutaminylglutaminyl alanyl arginyl threonyl threonyl glutaminyl valylglutaminyl glutaminyl phenyl alanyl seryl glutaminyl valyl tryptophyllysyl prolyl phenyl alanyl prolyl glutaminyl seryl threonyl valylarginyl phenyl alanyl prolyl glycyl aspartyl valyl tyrosyl lysyl valyltyrosyl arginyl tyrosyl asparaginyl alanyl valyl leucyl aspartylprolyl leucyl isoleucyl threonyl alanyl leucyl leucyl glycyl threonylphenyl alanyl aspartyl threonyl arginyl asparaginyl arginyl isoleucylisoleucyl glutamyl valyl glutamyl asparaginyl glutaminyl glutaminylseryl prolyl threonyl threonyl alanyl glutamyl threonyl leucylaspartyl alanyl threonyl arginyl arginyl valyl aspartyl aspartylalanyl threonyl valyl alanyl isoleucyl arginyl seryl alanyl asparaginylisoleucyl asparaginyl leucyl valyl asparaginyl glutamyl leucyl valylarginyl glycyl threonyl glycyl leucyl tyrosyl asparaginyl glutaminylasparaginyl threonyl phenyl alanyl glutamyl seryl methionyl serylglycyl leucyl valyl tryptophyl threonyl seryl alanyl prolyl alanylserine"

Finally, for a reason I can't really explain, one of the more fascinating paragraphs in the book was that describing the action of lithium to ameliorate mood swings in manic depressives.

I'm always happy to report on any volume that increases my knowledge about the world around me without being too impenetrable. I wish THE DISAPPEARING SPOON had been available to me in high school Chem 1A. So, despite a sporadic unevenness in presentation, I'm recommending it with four stars. ... Read more

Editorial Review

CK-12 Chemistry covers Matter, Atomic Structure; The Elements and Their Properties; Stoichiometry; Chemical Kinetics; Physical States of Matter; Thermodynamics; Nuclear Chemistry; and Organic Chemistry. ... Read more

Reviews

A Decent Introductory Chemistry Textbook, November 14, 2010
Chemistry is one of the fundamental scientific disciplines, and it is considered one of the physical sciences. It is also one of the scientific disciplines with a great amount of new research, and hardly a year passes without some new profound discovery being made. Sometimes even the experts are hard to keep up with all of the recent developments, and although most of the material in a standard chemistry course is already well established, there are enough of the new and exciting discoveries every year to justify new editions of chemistry textbooks. Unfortunately, the prices of new textbooks have been steadily increasing over the years, so it is incredibly refreshing to come across a well-organized free textbook that can be used in introductory chemistry classes.

This is by and large a very approachable and well presented introductory chemistry textbook. It is written with an advanced high school student or beginning college student in mind. Topics covered include chemistry as a physical science, the atomic theory, quantum mechanics model of the atom, electron configurations for atoms, periodic table, ions and compounds, covalent bonding, chemical reactions, states of matter, acids and basis, pH factor, thermodynamics, organic chemistry, and many others.

Each chapter ends with a several questions, many of which are quantitative. The textbook stresses critical and scientific thinking as well as the quantitative skills. It is a very interesting and well organized textbook and provides an excellent introduction to chemistry. In addition to questions, there are also numerous vocabulary terms listed at the end of each chapter. These provide the student with an opportunity to systematize the knowledge gained in the preceding chapter. There are also numerous references for further study and links to other outside resources.

The book is replete with many illustrations, but most of them are not very advanced or detailed. They are definitely of inferior quality to most other CK-12 textbooks.

This book is available under the Creative Commons License through the CK-12 foundation, which means it can be reprinted, modified and resold if necessary. It is also a fairly large file, the pdf version being over 1200 pages long, so be prepared for a long download time.

The Kindle formatting of this textbook leaves something to be desired. The book was originally typeset in LaTeX, and this did not translate all that smoothly into the Kindle format. I've found that getting this textbook on other e-readers or computers in the epub format rendered it much more satisfactorily.

This is not the flashiest textbook that you will come across, but in my opinion it gets the job done.
... Read more

Editorial Review

An eye-opening, original collection of gorgeous, never-before-seen photographic representations of the 118 elements in the periodic table.

The elements are what we, and everything around us, are made of. But how many elements has anyone actually seen in pure, uncombined form? The Elements provides this rare opportunity. Based on five years of research and photography, the pictures in this book make up the most complete, and visually arresting, representation available to the naked eye of every atom in the universe. Organized in order of appearance on the periodic table, each element is represented by a spread that includes a stunning, full-page, full-color photograph that most closely represents it in its purest form. For example, at -183˚C, oxygen turns from a colorless gas to a beautiful pale blue liquid.

Also included are fascinating facts, figures, and stories of the elements as well as data on the properties of each, including atomic weight, density, melting and boiling point, valence, electronegativity, and the year and location in which it was discovered. Several additional photographs show each element in slightly altered forms or as used in various practical ways. The element's position on the periodic table is pinpointed on a mini rendering of the table and an illustrated scale of the element's boiling and/or melting points appears on each page along with a density scale that runs along the bottom.

Packed with interesting information, this combination of solid science and stunning artistic photographs is the perfect gift book for every sentient creature in the universe.
... Read more

Reviews

Will look great on any table, periodic or otherwise, October 7, 2009
The Elements is a photographic tour de force of items from Theo Gray's personal collection of element samples. If he were to put on a museum show or do a PBS series, this would be the companion book.

It is a beautiful book, with excellent photography and very high resolution printing on a semi-matte black paper which gives the pictures a floating-in-space quality. About my only gripe is that this is the sort of paper that tends to absorb oil from your fingers and acquire permanent fingerprints, so one has to take a bit of care to keep it looking nice.

The bulk of the book consists of a two-page spread for each of elements 1 through 100. The left hand side of each spread will be a full-page image, typically of the element in its native mineral or a refined form, or some object constructed of the material etc. The right hand page contains a few paragraphs of interesting information/trivia about the element, as well as several images of items from the author's collection of objects made of, containing, or otherwise related to it.

For each there are also some pertinent facts such as its position in the periodic table, and diagrams of the atomic emission spectrum, the melting and boiling points, electron order filling, crystal structure, and some basic numerical facts of atomic weight, density, and radius.

There's also some introductory material and additional discussion of elements 101-118.

This is not a formal reference work in any sense. It's a picture book along with interesting trivia and information. But it is also a fabulously entertaining tour of the elements that make up our world, and it's an absolute joy to curl up with and browse through. A very satisfying thing to possess.

It also vividly demonstrates that there will still be a place for physical books for a long time, no matter how successful devices like the Kindle are. This is one you need to hold in your hands rather than read on some kind of screen (no matter how good).

This book gets firmly placed on my list of must-haves for anyone interested in science and the nature of our world and the universe. Very appropriate for science fans of any age.

Not Just Beautiful-- It's Hilarious, November 5, 2009
Chock full of beautifully done photos, as well as sharp wit. Just about every page has something silly somewhere. For example:

"Sodium is the most explosive and the best tasting of all the alkali metals"
"Disposable oxygen tanks for hobby brazing and as a refreshing pick-me-up..."
"So many important chemicals have been discovered by accident that one has to wonder what a bunch of bumblers chemists are"
"Bananas are high in potassium, thus both healthy and radioactive."
"This piece of the mineral thorite might contain an atom of francium, if you watch closely."

He's also quite informative. For example, some of you may have taken exception to his comment on sodium, which he explains on the page about cesium:

"Cesium is widely listed as the most reactive of all the alkali metals, and technically it is. When you drop a piece in a bowl of water it *instantly* explodes, sending water flying in all directions. But that doesn't mean it makes the biggest bang of the alkali metals. Sodium takes longer to explode when tossed into water but the whole time you're waiting, a plume of hydrogen gas is building up, and when all that hydrogen ignites, the explosion is much bigger than anything you can get with cesium"

Sounds like some important research there!

Or this fact that makes perfect sense, though I never really thought about it:

"Even lead will float on mercury"

Overall just an excellent, easily readable, pretty, thought-provoking book.

A Gorgeous Must-Have Book for all Nature Fans, October 11, 2009
The Elements by Theodore Gray is a must-have book for anyone who has ever wondered just what exactly the world is made of. That includes curious kids as well as adults with even a passing interest in nature, science and technology. The luscious photographs in this coffee table size book will captivate even young elementary students, while the surprising, witty, non-technical text will keep even professional chemists and engineers entertained and informed.

I opened my newly received copy late at night, intending to look at a few pages before bed. I literally could not put it down, and read it straight through from hydrogen to element 118, so newly discovered it doesn't even have a name yet. Each element's vignette smoothly segues into the next, so it works like an old radio serial melodrama - you just have to keep reading to find out what happens next!

Each element is covered in its order in the periodic table. Along with the multiple photos of pure elements and common (matches and nails) and exotic (atomic clocks and lasers) things containing them from Gray's extensive museum quality collection, you will learn trivia about ones you know well (aluminum, a metal so precious that Napoleon preferred it to gold for VIP dinnerware, is now thrown in the garbage after wrapping sandwiches); ones you might remember from high school (poisonous bromine is in every can of Orange Crush); and ones you probably never heard of (you are required by law to put radioactive americium in every one of your children's bedrooms, and you have!) Lovely diagrams show the electronic configuration, color spectrum and crystal shape. Melting and boiling point bars at the page margins cleverly form a graphic demonstration of the elements' periodic properties when the book is fanned open.

Objects pictured and discussed come from a wide variety of fields including painting, agriculture, medicine, aviation, numismatics, ancient history, warfare, popular culture, computers, jewelry and more.

For a fine art work of this size and quality, the price is ridiculously inexpensive. The high resolution photographs which fill each element's double page spread are printed on a deep black background, and seem to jump out of the page into your hands. You will find out why you might not want this to happen with arsenic or polonium.

The Elements will enhance your appreciation of the stuff the stars, the planets and we ourselves are made of, and make the universe, and your bookshelf, a more beautiful place.

a must-have book for your coffee table, October 10, 2009
This marvelous book is stunning, both in its beautiful photographs and it its clear, lucid, and other humorous text. Whether you are a nascent element collector, a science buff, a parent trying to stimulate science interest in your kids, or just someone who likes to have a work of beauty in your home, this book is for you.

There's something in it for everyone. The minute scientific detail is there; but it does not get in the way of reading the book as narrative. Above all else, there is the sense of "science is fun stuff".

This book serves both as a reference and as something that you read cover to cover. Each element description seques into the next, and it becomes impossible to put down.

"The Elements" would be a bargain at twice the price. Theodore Gray has come up with a true winner here.

My husband swooned over this book., December 3, 2009
We saw this book on a table at a major book chain. He picked it up, flipped through it and put it down. He did this about 3 times and practically begged to get it (as if I would say 'no' to getting a book!)(and no, he does not need my permission). You'd have thought I was telling a 6 year old he was getting a new puppy, bicycle, and ice cream all at the same time.

My husband likes non-fiction books and books with pictures - a novel usually won't interest him and a cookbook without pictures will be ignored no matter how hungry he is. He doesn't have any particular interest in chemistry, but is curious about things in general and likes to know facts. This book grabbed him with the stunning visual aspects, but kept him interested with its logical layout and description and examples of each element. The info nuggets are interesting and useful - you won't be a chemist when you finish the book, but you'll know more about each element than you probably did before. He only reads a couple of elements a day. Conversations for the past 3 weeks have been peppered with "Did you know that (pick an element) is (something cool) and you when you mix it with (something normal) it (does something cool)?"

This is a winner for curious people that are very visually oriented. Even curious kids could get interested, but might need vocabulary help. This is a gift book that will get read.

Most Beautiful Book EVER, November 9, 2009
This book is is truly the most beautiful book I have ever seen. The photos literally brought tears to my eyes. The photos are so lovely, it is almost like seeing the elements in person!

There is a photo for almost all of the elements, coupled with photos of some common and not-so-common items containing the element. The text is well-written and humorous, making this book one I could hardly stand to put down!

I recommend this book for everyone, whether or not you know much about the elements. You will be surprised to see the beauty that is contained in the building blocks of our world and even ourselves.

Thanks to the authors for such a beautiful book!

Who expects to laugh when reading the periodic table?, November 2, 2009
I had the author's poster of the periodic table first, and it inspired me to do a lot of reading on wikipedia. I was excited to see the book was out, but what I didn't expect was that the author's voice is authentic, original, and funny. A great launching point for further reading and thinking about chemistry, physics, and material science.

The chemistry book you buy for the pictures, October 31, 2009
It all started the Christmas before last when a friend (yes, she trained as a chemist) gave me a print of the periodic table by this author. For each element there is a picture of a lump of the element, or something made from the element, or some other representation of the element. For the noble gases there are discharge lamps (colloquially called "neon" lights even when the gas isn't neon) in the shape of their chemical symbol. For hydrogen there is a photo of a nebula. For elements that have only been created in minute quantities there are other representations: for example, californium is represented by the seal of the state of California, and einsteinium by a picture of Big Al himself. This print has been the subject of much comment in my office. (Yes, it is an engineering organization.) At the end of this book there is a perforated fold-out of a similar print.

This book expands the concept by giving each element two facing pages of information and pictures. (A few special elements--copper, gold, iron, uranium--get an extra pair of pages.) In additional to a description of the element and its uses, basic information includes position on the periodic table, atomic weight, density, atomic radius, crystal structure, electron order filling, atomic emission spectrum, and state (solid, liquid, gas) vs temperature. Nice, but you can find that on the internet. What you want this book for is the pictures!

And excellent pictures they are. For each element there are now roughly five to ten pictures; depending on the element there may be parts made from it, important minerals it is in, compounds it is part of, and even some odder uses. For europium you will find a compact fluorescent bulb, which has europium in its phosphor. Bismuth has a picture of a bottle of Pepto-Bismol. May favorite is plutonium, which has a picture of a bottle of homeopathic plutonium pills. The caption reads: "Homeopathic remedies are fraudulent products that contain none of their listed ingredients. In the case of these homeopathic plutonium pills that is a distinctly good thing." (Plutonium is very poisonous.)

A great book if you have in interest in what the world around us is made of. Or if you want to add a touch of highbrow sophistication to your coffee table book collection. It could also serve to get an older child interesting in chemistry.

"It's elementary, my dear Watson," buy this book! (Bad, but I couldn't resist.)

Amazing, May 29, 2010
This book is simply amazing in its scope: Profile every element known to man. Theodore Gray (and his photographers) has outdone himself with it. With almost every element are beautiful pictures showing the applications and (when possible) each element in its pure form. If you are familiar with the elements, then you probably know most of them are your basic, gray metals. But does that stop the author from making them interesting? No. Even just the pictures of basic metals will leave you in awe.

The book is also cram-packed with interesting information about most of the elements. Unless you are already an expert in physics and chemistry, you are sure to learn many new things about the building blocks of matter. Also accompanying the facts and trivia are the usual information you might find on a periodic table (such as atomic weight, melting points, electron configurations, etc.)

The information in the book is not meant to be all-inclusive. Rather, it seems to be aimed at the average person with a casual interest in science. You will not find much advanced terminology or mathematics in this book. So if that is what you are looking for, this book is not your answer. However, if you are just an average person with a curiosity about the universe around you, there is a lot of good stuff in this book.

I do have two small criticisms of the book. The author makes no secret of his hatred of expensive diamonds and incandescent light bulbs multiple times throughout the book. If you read it cover-to-cover (as I did) it just becomes annoying. The second is that, on rare occasions, the author seems distracted. For example, in the section on manganese (25), he spends more time talking about a covert CIA operation than about manganese itself. It leaves you wanting to know more. Because of this, I feel The Elements falls a little shy of the five-star rating. If I could rate it four-and-a-half stars, I would.

Sadly, this book is already a little bit out-date. Element 112 was renamed copernicium a few months after the book was published.

In conclusion, I loved The Elements. I had a hard time putting it down when reading it. If you are interested in science, physics, chemistry, or about the building blocks of matter, without looking for advanced theory, buy this book. It will sure to amaze.

A beautiful book of the elements, November 12, 2009
I have been looking for a book like this for a long time. The best I had been able to do was a cheap paperback which was not satisfactory. This book is printed on heavy coated paper and the illustrations are gorgeous. Many of the elements are not particularly visually striking but the author has in every case provided pictures that show some facit of the element even if it has to be shown as a part of an alloy or assemblage.
The author writes in a humerous fashion and you will get many laughs reading this book. He has accomplished something that I had wanted to do which was building a display of all of the displayable elements. He explains all of this on his website and also sells sets of elements for people who want to have their own displays.
I gave this book 5 stars because I don't see how anybody could top it. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Yeast: The Practical Guide to Beer Fermentation is a resource for brewers of all experience levels. The authors adeptly cover yeast selection, storage and handling of yeast cultures, how to culture yeast and the art of rinsing/washing yeast cultures. Sections on how to set up a yeast lab, the basics of fermentation science and how it affects your beer, plus step by step procedures, equipment lists and a guide to troubleshooting are included. ... Read more

Reviews

An Excellent Addition to the Brewer's Library, October 21, 2010
Anyone who is familiar with the beer-related work of Jamil Zainasheff, whether it be from his shows on "The Brewing Network," or his first excellent book, "Brewing Classic Styles," knows that Mr. Zainasheff's understanding of the various aspects of brewing is unequaled in the homebrewing world, and exceeded perhaps only by his desire to help others learn. Paired with the encyclopedic yeast-related knowledge and professional experience of Chris White, this book is essentially a "must-have" for any level of brewer. The book briefly examines yeast's role in the production of beer over the past 10,000 years, before discussing yeast's scientific role within the fermentation process in a technical, yet easily understandable manner. From there, the book explains the importance of pitching rates, propagation on the small- and large-scale level of yeast, and various other topics. Far from being an overly technical textbook, the book is generally quite readable, even for people whose interests and abilities lie outside of the world of the hard sciences. Where applicable, graphs and photos are used to illustrate concepts and recommendations.

Overall, I recommend the book without reservation.

Been waiting for a book like this!, October 11, 2010
I've just started reading this book, after getting a pre-order signed book, and can say that it definitely covers the points of yeast management that I have always had questions about. The main reason that I was looking to buy this book was that it specifically addressed the problems surrounding maintenance of a viable yeast stock in the home-brew environment. This it does well, and so far I am quite happy with the book. I should be done reading in a week or so, and will come back and write a more complete review.

don't get excited by the authors, this book is lacking., December 16, 2010
This book was very disappointing.

If you're hoping it will contain the information necessary to maintain yeast without reliance on commercial sources (after obtaining a culture) then it will be grossly inadequate. The over simplification of techniques (often times a complete omission) make this book useless to a professional; this simplification is so incredible that it is not much more than a primer for the homebrewer. Considering it was written by prominent professionals with a academic backgrounds in science, it is appalling that it reads like a hybrid between an amateur forum post and an advertisement for White Labs.

The book was truly lost for me upon reading the sentence: "An easy way to determine the proper amount of yeast for your batch and how big a starter you need is the free Pitching Rate Calculator at [...]" (p144). Anybody buying an entire book dedicated to beer yeast is far beyond needing a reference to that website.

A text of this type should enable the reader to perform all of the necessary calculations on their own; it doesn't. This book mentions several times that certain methods should be avoided or circumvented in lieu of less ideal but easier methods because the reader is not competent enough to maintain a sanitary environment or use complex/expensive equipment or methods, yet the book goes on to recommend the reader purchase items like a centrifuge (p182) and a spectrophotometer (p229).

I admit some of this disappointment is my fault. I was foolish to assume that, since this book was co-authored by the founder of White Labs, it would be a wealth of knowledge bordering on the publication of trade secrets: a way of truly understanding how to indefinitely maintain my own yeast library and perform fermentations using IDEAL conditions (which are arguably never discussed). For instance, tell me HOW to make nutrient saturated yeast extracts instead of saying "one supplement that addresses [yeast nutrition] is Servomyces, which White Labs [sells]" (p75). Also, the book does not give the reader the information necessary to safely preserve yeast for long periods by creating something akin to a White Labs vial, or specialized nutrient solutions for long term refrigeration or freezing.

So far I've only quickly read through the book once. I plan on giving a detailed run-through of the problems with this book when I go through it again and take the time to make notes. I will be happy after doing so, so that I can eliminate this publication from my brewing shelf and make space for a text with practical use.

One bit of information I specifically hoped to gain from this book was the techniques for proper starters. I wanted to know *ideal* gravity, cell/mL inoc rates, cell/mL expected yield, and stepping proportions; I know some of you were probably fooled into thinking this book contains these answers (on pages 126-145), but if you read carefully you will realize that it doesn't (due to vague or excluded information and poor assumptions).

A Must Title for any Homebrewer's Library, October 22, 2010
This is a great book. Easy to read with just the right amount of technical detail to understand the thought process behind why things are done a certain way and what the consequences might be if you choose to experiment away from standard practice. I sat down and read the entire book in one weekend without even realizing it (and I don't remember the last time I did that).

Defintely recommend this book to anyone interested in homebrewing - even if you think you know everything I guarentee that you will learn something and hopefully learn to think about things differently. It is all about enjoying the process and making great beer - with this help of this book you will be closer to that nirvana.

Great assest to any brewer, October 29, 2010
I am newer to brewing. I bought this book to expand my knowledge of brewing. I had no expectations. What I like about this book is that it is an easy read, with some technical points. It does a great job of explaining the role of yeast in brewing. I now have a better understanding of how yeast work and their contribution to beer. This is a MUST have for any serious brewer! The author is the founder of White Labs and has a phD in microbiology specific to brewing. As homebrewers we are willing to spend money to improve the quality of our brewing, this is a minor in investment with huge returns.

Essential Read for Serious Brewers, November 11, 2010
We have a restaurant with a nano-brewery. I found tis book an essential read -- for me, more interesting than reading fiction. ... Read more

Editorial Review

A group of experienced homebrewers offers a collection of recipes for pale ales, ambers, stouts, lagers, and seasonal brews, along with tips for brewing at home, drinking trivia from famous writers, and other beer lore.25,000 first printing. ... Read more

Reviews

Best Recipe Book for the Extract Brewer, December 5, 2003
I have used this book so much I wore it out. I now have a second copy. This is no doubt the best recipe book I own. It is geared towards the extract brewer and is a great companion to Papazian's "Complete Joy of Homebrewing". It is not an instruction book for the new brewer but rather a comprehensive book or recipes. There are simple recipes that a new brewer can use instead of purchasing a kit. There are also more advanced recipes for the more experienced brewer. It contains recipes for nearly every style of beer as well as cider and mead. My personal favorite is the Saison recipe, which most recipe books do not include.

Unfortunately I don't see copies this book at the local bookstores or LHBS anymore. Grab a copy before this gem goes out of print.

The only recipe book an extract brewer will ever need., October 3, 1999
If you're looking for a "how-to" book with regard to home-brewing, this ISN'T it, but if you just want RECIPES than this is the one to get. There is a mix of both extract and all-grain recipes. The emphasis on the former is not as great as advertised which I found slightly disappointing--for me, home-brewing is a hobby and not an occupation. (With a little bit of practice, however, it's not too difficult to convert an all-grain recipe into an extract version.) No matter what your style or taste, you'll find at least several different choices here, with recipes complete and easy to understand, and usually presented in a very entertaining fashion. Lots of tips, "history of beer" vignettes, and quotes from famous people on the subject of beer, many of which I have found fun to use in label-making. There's also some very good food recipes in here, all using beer--the Chicken with Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce has become a family favorite, and I'm anxious to try the Chocolate Cream Stout Cake!

Get this book, it's worth twice the asking price., December 14, 2000
Anyone can put together a list of recipes for all the classicstyles of beer, throw a cover on it and hawk it for ... ... or put up a web site and collect a thousand different ways to combine malt and hops... recipes are easy to come by. But this book is more than just a collection of formulas.

I give it a wholehearted five stars because the authors fill the pages with their passion for brewing great beer. The pages are a combination of anecodtes, brew tips and best of all quotations from all the greats of literature... Shakespeare to Orwell, they all had something to say about beer. I never tire of flipping through the pages when I am getting ready to make the next batch, and laughing at the wit and wisdom found within. I'll say it again. Get this book, it's worth twice the asking price.

A Worthy Companion to Papazian's books, April 30, 2005
It's fitting that Charlie Papazian wrote the foreword for this book. "The Homebrewer's Recipe Guide" is written very much in the spirit of Papazian's "Complete Joy of Homebrewing". The book is filled with famous beer related quotes and bits of beer related prose, most of it quite good. The recipes are divided into the usual categories, most of the recipes have whimsical names and a little information about the brew or the person who made the recipe. Everything about the book is light and fun, much like "Complete Joy of Homebrewing". I've tried a few of the recipes and they made good beer. I'm sure all of them will make good beer. One of the more interesting ones is a Belgian Wit that involves dry hopping Cascades, definitely not to style but I bet it tastes good.
The authors are right up front that this is not a technical manual but rather a guide, hence the title. I'm puzzled by all the negative reviews that criticize for not specifying IBU's and not including instructions for partial boils. If you've brewed a few batches of beer, you should be able to look at these recipes and understand how to adapt them to your system and your personal taste, it isn't difficult. The authors weren't out to write a textbook but rather to share whats worked for them and inspire the reader to brew beer. This, like "Complete Joy of Homebrewing", is an excellent book just to browse through on rainy days when you can't brew. For me, both books really capture the spirit of homebrewing. You can follow these recipes to the letter no matter what size boil you're doing or what %AA your hops are and make great beer or you can change these recipes to hit whatever marks you want to hit. There's all kinds of software you can plug the ingredients into to figure out what you're going to get, or you can calculate with pen and paper, or you can just wing it. I don't think it's fair to criticize this book for not nailing down all the specifics and for not providing specific conversions for extract, partial-mash, and all grain versions of each recipe. It's not that kind of book and it doesn't pretend to be. It is a great recipe guide with some wonderful bits of literature. It's not a beginner's guide but it certainly can be used by beginners and it's not an advanced manual but you'd have to be pretty heartless not to like it.
If you didn't like Papazian's "The Complete Joy of Homebrewing" because it's a little too whimsical, not specific enough, and contains "outdated" information, then you're not going to like this book either. However, if you love "The Complete Joy of Homebrewing", this book makes an excellent companion. As for the politics several people have mentioned, there are no political discussions in my edition (1996). There is a reference to Jimmy Carter since he's the one who made homebrewing legal in the US and there is a reference to Thomas Jefferson also in a beer related context, but I find no references to Newt Gingrich or the Democrats in my edition and I've read it many times.
Amazon has the "Search Inside This Book" feature available for this book. The sample pages are a good representation of what you get. If you like what you see, I highly recommend purchasing it.

The best extract homebrew recipe book out there, October 29, 1998
This is a delightful book of recipes, tips, and antecdotes. As an extract brewer, the book meets my needs perfectly. The recipes are varied and wide ranging, from classic recipes to historic and seasonal brews.

Good book containing Extract recipes of many brews., January 5, 1997
The book is well laid out and contains a good number of recipes of extract based homebrews. The only major complain is that as an allgrain brewer, there are only a few recipes which can interest me.

Excellent addition to a homebrewer's library., March 2, 2007
Ok, so some recipes are in need of adjustment, but the book is loaded with recipes and interesting brewer tips. It is simple, but it is not a step-by-step how-to. I suggest that this is good for the homebrewer that is ready to experiment and try new things and of course, the more experienced can tweak the recipe when and if needed. The beginning section touches on the framework for all the recipes provided, explaining the amount of water used, yeast type, batch quantity and more. Other than that, it's recipe after recipe and the occasional brewer's tip and back story on beer styles.

This is a fun book with a variety of recipes that will be enjoyed by any homebrewer. Those new to homebrewing will enjoy reading and making, but will be ready after some experience or the help of their local brew supply shop. I made a few and they came out quite well.

This is a good book to give as a gift or add to your library.

An invaluabe stepping stone, March 20, 2006
As a beginning homebrewer looking to extend beyond pre-hopped extracts and pre-packaged kits, this book was exactly what I was looking for. I found the asides and exerts amusing. I would higly recommend this book for anyone who's already brewed a few batches and is looking for more recipes.

Great Easy recipes, February 23, 2006
This book provides a good mixture of recipes including some cloned ones. There are some good tips, sprinkled throughout the book, that I found to be especially useful in creating high quality batches of homebrew. I think this book would be good for someone who has started home brewing and is looking beyond the beginner stage.

Great foundations for your own recepies., May 10, 1999
I've found that the recepies in this book are great starters for designing my own. It's great that it's an all extract based book using Wyeast. It also has some great tips. Excellent book for newbies. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Napoleon's Buttons is the fascinating account of seventeen groups of molecules that have greatly influenced the course of history. These molecules provided the impetus for early exploration, and made possible the voyages of discovery that ensued. The molecules resulted in grand feats of engineering and spurred advances in medicine and law; they determined what we now eat, drink, and wear. A change as small as the position of an atom can lead to enormous alterations in the properties of a substance-which, in turn, can result in great historical shifts.

With lively prose and an eye for colorful and unusual details, Le Couteur and Burreson offer a novel way to understand the shaping of civilization and the workings of our contemporary world. ... Read more

Reviews

For want of a double bond, May 26, 2003
Someone once said, "Biology names things. Chemistry tells you how they work."

In Napoleon's Button's, LeCouteur and Burreson take that premise to a much higher level. They not only tell you how the molecules work, they explain the impact these molecules have had on human history, economics, and geopolitics. They consider what might have happened if the molecules in question had been discovered, understood, or used by someone else.

For example, the effects of ascorbic acid deficiency, and its treatment, were known in China as early as the fifth century. Norse explorers drank a brew made of "scurvy grass" during their voyages across the North Atlantic. However, scurvy killed more European sailors between 1470 and 1770 than all other causes, despite reports on prevention and cure as early as the mid-1500's. Magellan lost over 90% of his crew during the circumnavigation of the globe in 1519-1522. Only 18 sailors returned to Spain with the spices that had prompted the journey. Magellan himself was killed in the Philippines during a stop necessitated by the weakened condition of his remaining crew.

The authors ask the reader to imagine the present geopolitics if the Age of Discovery had included adequate stores of lemon juice. "If the Portuguese, the first European explorers to travel these long distances had understood the secret of ascorbic acid, they might have explored the Pacific Ocean centuries before James Cook." The Dutch, also, might have held claims to large portions of the South Pacific. They conclude, "The British . . . would have been left with a much smaller empire and much less influence in the world, even to this day."

Even 20th century adventurers have fallen to the effects of ascorbic acid deficiency. The Amundsen/Scott race to the South Pole was decided by the Brits' lack of vitamin C. "Only eleven miles from a food and fuel depot they found themselves too exhausted to continue."

Sixteen other molecules, or classes of molecules, including cellulose, morphine, isoprene, and salt, are given similar turns under the magnifying glass. The authors walk the line between chemistry and anecdote. For the former chem. majors there are formulae and descriptions--cis and trans, alpha and beta. For history buffs, the human stories stand without in-depth study of the chemical structures.

The prose is lively and often amusing. The chapters are divided in such a way the book can be put down and picked up easily, if the reader can resist the temptation of "just one more molecule." Now I'm trying to decide if I should first hand off my copy to my dad or my high school-age daughter. Or--maybe my daughter's teacher . . . .

As much as we humans might like to think our intellect raises us above the natural world, this book reminds us, we are our biology--and our chemistry.

Better Living Through Chemistry, October 7, 2004
Did tin buttons that crumbled in the cold stop Napoleon's army? Or was it scurvy from lack of vitamin-C? Or lack of antibiotics for the wounded? Throughout history, there have been substances that have changed the world. The authors have chosen 17 types of molecules that have altered the course of nations, societies and cultures. Each chapter centers on one of the molecules, and it's very interesting that many of the molecules are interconnected.

The authors take us on a fascinating journey through history and chemistry - starting with piperine, the stuff that puts the 'hot' in peppers and ending with the molecules that have conquered malaria. Both natural and synthetic substances are studied. The impact of natural substances like salt, caffeine, and olive oil reaches far past daily life and into the fate of nations. The search for synthetic substitutes has led to diverse products such as nylon, artificial sweeteners, the Pill, and Styrofoam. The impacts of several live-saving substances like vitamin-C and antibiotics are explored. Some compounds, such as DDT and Freon, that were originally seen as near-miracles have proven to be rather disastrous to the environment. Napoleon's Buttons explores the consequences for better and for worse, sometimes all in the same substance.

The book starts with a very friendly overview of chemistry diagrams and terms. The authors provide a multitude of diagrams that show how various substances are similar and different. It's truly amazing how a tiny change in structure can completely alter the properties of a molecule. I think the diagrams are fascinating, but if you're not that interested in the actual chemistry, you can easily ignore them and concentrate on the stories that illustrate the effect of each substance. Le Couteur and Burreson entertain as well as educate with their well-chosen selection of anecdotes. Their writing is very understandable for the casual reader, but includes enough detail to satisfy someone with a stronger background in science.

I don't usually comment on the look of the text, but I thought it was just outstanding in this book. Both the text and the diagrams are exceptionally clean and easy to read. The information is very well organized - it's easy to read each chapter as a self contained unit, but there's enough of a framework tying it all together to make it a coherent whole.

Lots of interesting factoids, June 9, 2005
I enjoyed this book very much. Each chapter is devoted to a particular molecule, e.g., glucose, silk, phenol, salt, etc., and discusses both its chemical structure and its significance to civilization. To a former engineer who somehow escaped even a smattering of organic chemistry, this book explained a lot in an easy-to-follow manner. The authors illustrate each molecule schematically, and in many cases show how a subtle difference in structure can lead to dramatic differences in chemical behavior. Makes me wish I had studied organic chemistry in college.

The chapter on oleic acid (olive oil) was particularly interesting. I now understand what is meant by "saturated fat", "monounsaturated fat" and "trans-fat", and why soap works. A lot of information, easily absorbed.

My only quibble is that the authors thought they had to conclude each chapter with a few paragraphs about "how this molecule changed history". That got tiresome, fast.

A nice book to give a "feel" for the importance of chemistry, May 6, 2005
There is no question that chemistry, perhaps most of all the sciences, has a bad public image. People automatically assume chemistry is to blame for most of the perceived evils of the world - the ozone layer holes, overuse of pesticides, carcinogenic food and fuel additives, smog, etc. The authors of this fun little book successfully argue that it's not the chemistry, per se, that is bad but the (over)use of chemistry. They have culled several molecules from the pages of history (in fact there are many more than just the 17 advertised in the title, it's really more like 17 families of molecules) and tell the stories behind them. Each chapter covers their discovery and/or first synthesis, the way they were first used by society, and how they are now seen. They rightfully focus on older molecules, since many new ones have not been around long enough to allow analysis of their long-term impact.

They do not shy away from the dark side of chemistry - Bayer, who invented Aspirin, also manufactured poison gas for use by Imperial Germany in WWI. Wonder drugs like DDT and CFC's are now vilified as being major environmental problems, but few now remember that DDT was almost solely responsible for the irradication of malaria (by killing the mosquito carriers) in Europe and North America. So the health benefit far outweighs any current negative human health issues. It's this balance that makes the book both interesting and important. There is a lot of scientific illiteracy out there. Hopefully lots of people will get this book and learn to give chemistry a fair chance.

There is a lot of chemistry in the book. However, I think it's well-enough explained that the lay reader will be able to easily follow along. Chemists will find many of the explanations to be glossed for a general audience (and, in fact, there are a few places that are just plain erroneous), but if the intention is to use this as a teaching resource for neat tidbits or project ideas, this is not a fatal flaw. Similarly, , a negative but not fatal problem is the choice of compounds. Sure, the authors make a spirited pitch for each of their choices, but I can think of many chemicals that are far more important than the molecules they include - what about DNA, for instance, or uranium hexafluoride, or even bronze (that has a whole Age named after it)?

Any book that attempts to increase scientific literacy is valuable, and this one especially so because it presents the chemistry as a neutral thing that mankind can use for good or evil (but usually both simultaneously). Not only that, it is presented in a conversational and easy-to-read fashion. So pick up a copy - I guarantee you'll learn something new and interesting that you didn't know before!

excellent read, November 18, 2004
I picked this up in a store and bought it on a whim... Halfway through I finally let myself take a break and put it down. Before I'd finished it I bought another copy for my grandfather (chemical engineer) and I know he'll love it. Very interesting and easy to follow, no matter what your level of knowledge (I had some chemsitry in college, nothing since). It ties chemistry in to the real world rather nicely, drawing connections I never knew about. Highly recommended.

Napoleon's Buttons: How 17 Molecules Changed History, May 31, 2004
Napoleon's Buttons: How 17 Molecules changed History written by Penny LeCouteur and Jay Burreson is a wonderful little tome of seventeen chapters that shows the reader how 17 molecules changed history.

"Napoleon's Buttons" takes the reader on a world-wind tour de force about what Columbus could not have foreseen from the results of his search for piperine, Magellan was unaware of the long-term effects of his quest for isoeugenol, and Schonbein would have been astonished that the nitrocellulose he made from his wife's apron was the start of of great industries as diverse as explosives and textiles. Numerous chemical discoveries were, by far, some of the best serendipity and luck has often been cited as crucial to many important findings, but the ability of the discoverers to realize that something unusual has happened... and to question why it occured and how it could be useful... is of greater importance.

Perkin could not have anticipated that his experiment would eventually lead to not only to a hugh synthetic dye industry, but also to the development of antibiotics and pharmaceuticals. "Napoleon's Buttons" takes a look at Marker, Nobel, Chardonnet, Carothers, Lister, Baekeland, Goodyear, Hoffmann, Leblanc, the Solvay brothers, Harrison, Midgley, and others who have stories about their discoveries in the chemical industry making for some very interesting anecdotal stories.

"Napoleon's Buttons" has 17 chapters, making for some interesting reading, especially if you have a science background, you'll find this book enlightening, if for nothing else but the history of chemistry or better yet the chemistry in world history. This is an easy book to read and it has plenty of basic chemical structures that the authors use to explaine their points. Kind of like Organic Chemistry 101 but much simpler and well illustrated. "Napoleon's Buttons" shows us how unsuspected molecules have changed our world, for better or worse and how this affect hisory as we know it.

"Napoleon's Buttons" is a delightful read and is wonderfully readable book interwoven with events of history and how they have changed the course of human history to tranform society. This is a book that makes learning basic chemistry fascinating.

I gave this book a solid five stars for the reasons stated above and you'll enjoy reading about the way human society both paid the price and reeped the benefits. You'll find this book easy to rad and the authors do explain things enough so evan the layperson can follow along and get the jest of the story. I would recommend reading this book if you are taking any chemistry course.

Practical Real-World Chemistry, January 18, 2006
What a fabulous book! This book does a great job of showing how something as mundane(to many people) as chemical formulae can determine the outcome of civilizations. High marks for making chemistry relevant and interesting. At times, some connections seem a bit too speculative for my scientific taste, but overall a fine book. I have read it twice now. If you like this book, you'll probably like "Uncle Tungsten" by Oliver Sacks

The Glory Days of Chemistry are Over...or Are They?, September 17, 2005
Much as fashion and authors go in and out of style, the sciences do the same. During the 19th century chemistry was ascendant but then physics came into vogue. As of late biology receives more than its fair share of attention, but still chemistry acts as a right hand to society and in a very simple and easy to understand way, this book explains why. All the attention seems to go to "Napoleon's Buttons", but this is a red herring; after the introduction this somewhat silly subject is never brought up again (I kept thinking that even if all the buttons really fell off, would the soldiers really have no other way to keep their clothes on?). This book could have more appropriately been called "Benzene's Bondage" or "Phenol Oh!" but who has heard of these guys? Napoleon is much more famous so I enjoyed the introduction and the rest of the book just as much (It has been a LONG time since I have studied chemistry, I can't even remember the Periodic table).

The writing is clear and concise. There is lots of chemistry but also lots of history and personality. The author spends much more time explaining who, what, when, where and why, much of the how (details of all the chemical reactions, temperature, pressure, time, method, etc.) is left for a real chemistry class. After Napoleon, the introduction is well used to explain basic terminology and chemistry. As through the entire book, the diagrams of the chemicals are simple and excellent. They are right after the text they are diagramming, and they are all succinctly labeled; I referred back to this first section many times. There are many chemical names, after a while they start to sound similar but the index is also very good; several times I wanted to find a previously mentioned chemical and I was always able to find the correct passage.

As the authors state right off, this is a very subjective endeavor. If you go ask another chemist to name the 17 most important chemicals, you are almost assured to get an [at least] slightly different list. That is not the real point though. (Who actually believes those top 5, 10 or 20 lists anyway? #1 is the champion but #2 is an also-ran; #20 is a contender but #21 is forgotten, it is pretty silly and depressing to take this literally.) The authors, in a very approachable manner, explain where and when these 17 chemicals made a difference, but please don't hold on too strongly to the belief that #5 is more important to history than #6 (or that we could do completely without #18).

I found an interesting change going through my thought process about halfway through this book. At first I focused on the differences between the chemicals, but then they all started to look pretty similar. For me, especially, the similarities between glucose and cellulose were hard to wrap my mind around; my clothes and just don't look the same when I consider the difference between them and dessert (or a tree). The dies that make my clothes beautiful colors look a lot like the chemicals to make bombs. The difference between nitroglycerine and the olive oil I like to dip my bread in looks pretty fine, especially when considering how similar they are to the chemical necessary to keep my brain functioning. Life is amazing.

Later in the book there are much larger chemicals that are equally interesting. The difference between a legal chemical and illegal drug is a fine one indeed; but obviously our body is capable of making equally fine distinctions in its functioning also. I never knew that chemistry could be so interesting!

Great Read!, November 19, 2003
This book was a great read. As an physical organic chemist by training, the formulae were no difficulty, but I don't know how "civilians" would react. It is right up there with _Uncle Tungsten_ as far as books that I would recommend for chemically related cultural literacy. The stories are well told. The information is well organized, with helpful references to previous chapters. The emphasis on the social impacts of these compounds makes the book especially interesting to me (since my familiarity with the compounds is more from the technical side). If I were to find a slight deficiency in this book, it would be in the section on dyes, which does not mention food colorings (of which most that have been approved are no longer permitted).

Excellent read for anyone!, June 1, 2006
What a great book! If you've ever been curious about how people came to discover, develop, and use some of the things we take for granted in our everyday lives, this book is fascinating! If you teach science, it is a must read - so many hooks to get students interested in science while seeing the chemistry connections! If you don't teach, you will still like it, and the authors wrote it on a level every adult can comprehend. ... Read more

Editorial Review

A companion to the bestselling book The Elements: A Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in the Universe, this beautiful photographic card deck features all 118 elements in the periodic table. One element per card appears as a full-size image on the front and fascinating information about the element on the back.

The Photographic Card Deck of The Elements is the most detailed, lush, and beautiful set of cards ever produced on the subject of the periodic table.� With 126, 5"X5" cards in all, it includes one card for every one of the 118 elements, plus additional cards that explain the arrangement of the periodic table, present the elements sorted by various properties, and suggest activities and uses for the cards.
�
The front side of each card shows a full-size, photographic image of the element, while the back gives scientific information including atomic weight, density, melting and boiling point, valence, and the percent of the element found in the universe, in the Earth's crust, in oceans, and in humans.� Graphics show melting/boiling points, density, electron configuration, and atomic radius.� A fascinating fact about the element, as well as the date of its discovery, is also included.

The cards are perfect for students but also make an excellent gift for a scientist or anyone who enjoys the beauty and diversity of the natural world.

... Read more

Editorial Review

Are you getting ready to take the AP Chemistry exam? The Princeton Review experts provide the help you need in Cracking the AP Chemistry Exam, 2011 Edition. It includes:

•2 full-length AP practice tests with detailed explanations
•Proven techniques to help get high scores
•All AP Chemistry review topics from atomic structure and chemical equations to thermodynamics and nuclear decay
•Review AP test questions in every chapter
•Tables, charts and diagrams to help you best prepare for AP Chemistry
•Detailed walk-through of how to write great AP essays
•Planning and organization tips to get you all the way to test day! ... Read more

Reviews

Wonderful book except missing detachable reference sheets, September 12, 2010
Just recently bought this book as a student. The book is detailed and has charts to better display certain ideas. It has review questions after every ch., but some are not based on the book, but from class. A detachable reference table was not included; instead, I had to make photocopies from the book. Overall a good review book. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

Solid chemistry in a down-to-earth approach to learning..., May 27, 2008
Are you a frustrated chemist who never outgrew their fascination with the home chemistry kits of the good old days? Back when people took responsibility for their actions and "product liability" wasn't the fear of every company out there? This is the EXACT book you need to get in order to rekindle that love or to pass it on to a new generation... Illustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments: All Lab, No Lecture by Robert Bruce Thompson. You won't get a simple "isn't it cool how this changes color?" approach to science. Thompson covers serious stuff, complete with best practices, methodologies for recording your experiments, and plenty of safety tips along the way. After working through this book, you'll be further ahead than most entry-level college students.

Contents:
Introduction; Laboratory Safety; Equipping a Home Chemistry Lab; Chemicals for the Home Chemistry Lab; Mastering Laboratory Skills; Separating Mixtures; Solubility and Solutions; Colligative Properties of Solutions; Introduction to Chemical Reactions and Stoichiometry; Reduction-Oxidation (Redox) Reactions; Acid-Base Chemistry; Chemical Kinetics; Chemical Equilibrium and Le Chatelier's Principle; Gas Chemistry; Thermochemistry and Calorimetry; Electrochemistry; Photochemistry; Colloids and Suspensions; Qualitative Analysis; Quantitative Analysis; Synthesis of Useful Compounds; Forensic Chemistry; Index

I *did* say it was far more than just changing the colors of liquids in a test tube...

You can tell that Thompson has a real love of this field. He starts off with his story of how he got interested in chemistry, as well as how this book would map to a first or second year chemistry course. He explains the value of keeping a laboratory notebook in a way that will meticulously track your results and offer a chain of evidence should you stumble upon the next great compound. Safety and supplies follow that, and he does an excellent job in balancing risk and reward, cost and budget. Instead of just saying that you should avoid anything that can possibly injure you, he advises you on how to protect yourself, how to safely handle chemicals that could react in a dangerous fashion, and generally do what you need to do without fearing every little step. After the supplies, you get a course in the chemicals you'll need to obtain to do many of these experiments. Some are fairly easy to get, while others have become more controlled and restricted over the years. Still, he points you to sources and alternatives that will keep this from becoming an overly expensive habit. After a final chapter on laboratory skills, you start getting into the good stuff... mixing chemicals to observe reactions!

The lab exercises are laid out in a straight-forward, easy to follow fashion. Your prep work is covered, along with the supplies and chemicals you need. The procedures follow, along with pictures to show appropriate information. Finally, there are areas to record your observations, answer questions, and try variations on the exercises. All in all, a complete package to learn the particular subject matter being covered. While some of the lab exercises might seem somewhat esoteric in terms of what you're learning, others are extremely practical (like the entire chapter on forensic chemistry). But in all cases, Thompson is laying the groundwork for a complete and solid understanding of chemistry, while having some fun along the way.

Obviously by reading the table of contents, you're not going to give this book to your eight year old and turn them loose in your garage. However, a teenager with solid leanings to chemistry will get a lot of value from this book. Likewise, the adult who somehow lost his or her way to the lab in the course of growing up can rediscover their passion. Teachers can get some new ideas and freshen up their classes... All in all, a great book that brings life to a subject that far too many students and adults fear and dread...

Just one word of advice... packing this book as reading material on a plane may *not* be the best idea... it'd be easy for someone to get the wrong idea as to what you're up to... :)

How to Make and Use Your Own Chemistry Set, May 28, 2008
I still remember getting my first chemistry set from a school teacher aunt when I was 10 or 11. About 30 small bottles of chemicals, and instructions for mixing them in various ways. You could make concoctions that would smoke in different colors, compounds that would fizz and bubble, turn liquids to solids, solids to liquids, the list goes on. It was my first introduction to science, and the lessons took, as I became a scientist. Unfortunately, liability concerns and nanny-statism have pulled most chemistry sets off the market, and young would-be scientists don't have the chance to learn about chemistry on their own

Robert Bruce Thompson is attempting to remedy the situation with this book. It is based less on a theoretical consideration of chemistry than a practical exploration or things one can do in a home lab. The theory is there, but couched in the discussion of the experiments. He takes appropriate care to emphasize safety, and for those looking for the capabilities to make explosives, there are no home-brew directions for that. Reasonably priced choices for purchasing home equipment and chemicals are discussed, the reasons for the various utensils required are given. The book also includes review questions for those who wish to prove their mastery of a subject.

The target age ranges for the book range from early teen years for some unusually serious adolescents to later teens for most others. And of course it's ideal for the interested adult. If you have a teen with science aspirations or interest, this book might provide a great experience for them, and the chance for you to provide mentoring as well. Highly recommended.

This book is dangerous, May 22, 2008
This book is dangerous. It will cause kids to start thinking. There is a definate risk that they will starting wanting to learn about the world around them instead of just studing the answers to a test. I am old enough I remember chemistry sets under the christmas tree and a high school chemistry class were students actually did experiements instead of just watching. DO you, or your childern, want to actually learn chemistry? Then get this book.

An Excellent Chemistry Book, May 29, 2008
This book provides an excellent guide on how to learn about chemistry since chemistry sets like the one I had as a kid are no longer available. The author provides a great deal of chemical knowledge that I would loved to have had as a teenager. The experiments in this book are far more interesting than the ones that were in my chemistry set as a kid.

The one point I would make is that I would make is that many of these experiments are potentially dangerous. You should follow the author's safety advice to the letter. High school age students might do these experiments without adult supervision. Children any younger than that should have adult supervision.

More than funny smells, an invaluable must have book., July 29, 2008
Many other reviewers have made comments about the demise of home chemistry sets and their youthful experiences. I echo many of the same thoughts. Without going in to the details suffice to say that I loved my chemistry set and still relish those youthful memories. I have long lamented the fact that you can no longer buy a decent home chemistry set. Thompson's book addresses this problem and fills a much needed niche. This by far the best book around if you want to setup your own chemistry lab and conduct experiments at home.

This is a real how to book that addresses the practical issues of setting up a chemistry lab and conducting experiments. In addition to the chapters that deal with the actual experiments, there are chapters on safety, equipment, and where to find chemicals. There is also good discussion about the disposal of chemicals and a realistic and practical discussion about the dangers of chemicals.

I've had a copy of the book for a couple of months. I've had the opportunity to read much of it and actually try some of the experiments. I don't have a lot of room for a lab but that hasn't stopped me from experimenting. I originally obtained the book for my son but I have to admit I find it more interesting and useful than he does. While he is interested in chemistry and has enjoyed out experiments he is too busy with other things to really get into it at the moment. I hope that will change after the summer ends and we settle in for the winter. I plan to incorporate chemistry into our home schooling program and this book is the perfect tool to help guide my efforts.

The bottom line is that this book is educational, practical and fun. I recommend it for anyone interested in learning about basic practical chemistry. If you are a parent and your child is interested in chemistry you need this book. It will be invaluable for home school parents who plan to teach chemistry and as a supplement for high school chemistry students. I would not be surprised to find that chemistry teachers adopted this book in their own curriculum.

Top shelf "Make" book, May 17, 2008
This is another well written, well researched book produced by Mr. Thompson. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in actual hands-on experience in "wet" chemistry.

Most people know of Mr. Thompson by his "Building/Repairing PC..." series of books along with his wife, Barbara Fritchman Thompson. This "Make" book will be an excellent companion to any home schooling course in chemistry. It will also make an excellent supplement to any high school chemistry course to help ignite the future chemists this country will need.

Three of my own children have now completed high school chemistry and the lab work is not even close to what's presented in this book. The labs in this book harken back to my own high school chemistry class in the early 1970's. That was when high school chemistry was equivalent to university level courses. This book will help any student who takes an "AP" level high school chemistry course.

Good work, Mr. Thompson, I look forward to your next "Make" book.

Amazing Book!, September 30, 2008
This book is an amazing value. I would pay 50 bucks for this book. Much of the book is full of very useful information about lab equipment and the chemicals you will need--where to find the chemicals, and the specific safety risks of each chemical. The experiments are simply in design, but lengthy enough to be significant learning experiences. Data tables and questions about the lab are included. I'm sure this will turn out to be a very valuable resource for my teaching of secondary science.

Chemistry: basis of everything, May 9, 2008
Note: this fine workbook is also available in an eBook version, sometimes on special sale for $10.00. Google O'Reilly Books & Videos.

Robert Bruce Thompson's Preface to this fine book took me back to a Christmas many years ago:

"My parents had been watching my brother and me ripping through gifts like Tasmanian Devils. Just as I'd decided that I hadn't gotten the one gift that I really, really wanted, mom and dad called me into the kitchen. There it sat, on the kitchen table, exactly what I'd been hoping for. It was already unboxed and spread wide open to show the contents. My father said, 'This is from your mother and me. It is not a toy.'

"It was a Lionel/Porter/Chemcraft chemistry set, and the exact model I'd asked for. The biggest one, with dozens of chemicals and hundreds of experiments. Glassware, an alcohol lamp, a balance, even a centrifuge. Everything I needed to do real chemistry. I instantly forgot about the rest of my presents, even the BB gun. I started reading the manual, jumping from one experiment to another. I carefully examined each of the chemical bottles. The names of the chemicals were magical. Copper sulfate, sodium carbonate, sulfur, cobalt chloride, logwood, potassium ferricyanide, ferrous ammonium sulfate, and dozens more."

My parents gave me a similar (albeit simpler) kit when I was twelve, and it was one of the most educational presents I ever received. My interest in science broadened from chemistry and then from the sciences to other areas of interest, but I still remember some of the wonder, the magic, even, of those chemistry experiments. As soon as I heard about O'Reilly's series on DIY Science, I pre-ordered this first entry as a present to myself.

As a generalist, Thompson has re-introduced me to those magical years so long ago. Of course, modern chemistry kits are little more than toys, "defanged" as Thompson writes because of product liability concerns of the kit makers. And there are real dangers here; "After all, some of the experiments in this book use concentrated acids, flammable liquids, corrosives, and poisons. In one experiment we manufacture napalm, for heaven's sake. Will readers of this book be dropping like flies, blowing themselves up, burning the house down, or growing extra arms? Of course not. Dangers can be dealt with. One of the recurring lessons throughout this book is the importance of assuming personal responsibility for useful but dangerous actions--understanding the specific risks and taking the necessary steps to minimize or eliminate them."

Thompson does an excellent job of teaching responsible teenagers and curious adults to learn about chemistry by doing real laboratory experiments, and doing them well and safely. There are four introductory sections dealing with safety, equipment, chemicals and laboratory skills. The substance of the book lies in seventeen chapters devoted to specific topics: from separating mixtures to synthesis of compounds and forensic chemistry.

I can't imagine a more useful book for a responsible teenager who has the least interest in science or for a general reader who wants to re-learn the principles of chemical changes. (I've already placed an order for glassware and a few other essential bits of equipment.)

Robert C. Ross 2008

Could'nt be better, or simpler!, October 15, 2008
I have been involved in chemistry in one way or another for the biggest part of my life, and being a gold refiner by trade, I must say that I have never seen a text as simple to read and understand as this, for the lay person trying to get a start in the chemistry world... To the point, readable and understandable... A five year old could handle this book! With my prior knowledge, I was still riveted to this book... Excellent job! Bill Lewelling, Goldco Mining and Refining, Lakewood, Colorado

Excellent in depth experiments, July 22, 2008
As one of the other reviewers wrote, this book has much more than what you would get with a typical chemistry "toy" kit. Everything is well explained in detail, from the level of quality and what equipment to buy, where to obtain chemicals, and the steps for each experiment. The experiments have a full explanation of process being investigated, questions and calculations to make real quantitative assessments. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

A big improvement in 3rd Edition, May 6, 2000
If you are looking for a good biochemistry text book for an introductory course in biochemistry, this book is highly recommended. Even though Lehninger passed away years ago, his famous book "Principles of Biochemistry" has stood as one of the best. Drs. Nelson and Cox from U of Wisconsin had updated this text 7 years ago when the second edition of the text was published. I used this text in my first year biochemistry class and I found that it was really help me learn this complicated yet fasinating materials. In 2000, the 3rd edition of text , still written by Nelson and Cox, is available in the market. I look through the book and I find that this book has been thoroughly updated while maintaining the excellent organization of the ordinary text. The CD-ROM is also included in this edition and there are lots of wonderful pictures and animation that can help you teach and learn biochemistry. Unlike Voets' text, this book is not chemistry oriented. So if you are looking for mechanism behind the metabolic process, Voet&Voet can serve as a better one. However, if you want to learn or teach biochemistry in general...this book is a book of your choice.

The BEST Introductory Textbook In Biochemistry..., August 26, 2001
This text in Biochemistry is a great introduction. I was quite familiar with Lubert Stryer's masterpiece but I must confess this textbook goes one step further. The slant is towards the med student and the notes on medical aspects are just plain fantastic. It took me almost a year to finish the book but the effort was well worth it. Besides I have been out of touch with Biochem since my college days. Aspects of RNA metabolism are plain fantastic!! What is more the layout and sequence of topics is just right. I found that using this text in conjunction with "Basic Medical Biochemistry" by Marks, Marks, and Smith will give you the best mix. Don't pass on this gem. It truly is worth your time and perusal. The cost is steep but textbooks usually are. Grab it!!

Biochemistry for medical studies, July 12, 2000
An excellent book in biochemistry for a beginner in this subject. I especially like the the way the chapters are administrated. The book is best read from beginning to the end, because this will give you the whole picture in a educative fashion. It covers all the essential subjects of cellbiology needed for the medical student, as for instance metabolism and DNA. It also has advantages over other biochemistry books with its nicer apperance. With the pictures, medical notices and cellbiology material it covers all thats necessary. Good stuff and pleasant reading.

BUYERS BEWARE! THERE ARE VARIANTS OF THIS BOOK!!, December 1, 2002
Lehninger is one name that most undergraduates who take biochemistry courses know too well. This simplified, well-structured version remains an asset to a great number of students. But, no matter from which source you are ordering it, be sure to specify the actual edition you want as precise as possible. There are several variants of this book in the market (including Amazon.com...)! Do not forget to enter the complete details (including the ISBN number) of this textbook while placing an order for it; or else, you may end-up with the kind of "Lehninger" you didn't ask for.

Excellent! Can't wait for the Next Edition!, January 23, 2004
If you are a undergraduate or a graduate student who needs to learn some biochemistry from the ground up (without an instructor), this is the text for you. Lehninger really outdoes himself by creating a Biochemistry textbook that's not only colorful and pretty to look at but also wonderfully written. Of all of the science textbooks I've had to read to date, this was the best! Lehninger really does write the text so that it's like reading a novel, which allows for maximum absorption of the material he covers. Occasionally, I hit spots in my reading which were harder to understand, but that was because my own ignorance and not his. He begins the text with a review of the basics of general chemistry and organic chemistry which come into play with the biochemistry subject matter. Then he continues on, developing the student's foundations with describing protein structure and protein function, working his way up with enzymatic properties and activities. Carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids come next. The last section of the book is devoted to biochemical mechanisms, which is alot, but it is covered adequately for a beginner's textbook. The only major drawback: many of the answers to the chapter questions are wrong, hopefully, this will be addressed in the 4th Ed. If your school doesn't use Lehninger, protest, write treatises, do anything to convince your Biochemistry professor to use this text to teach you biochemisty! It's expensive, but once you have this textbook, don't ever sell it because if you're going into chemistry or biochemistry, it will be a priceless resource for your future studies!

nor for serious biochemists, May 7, 2002
This book is nicely illustrated, but you will be frustrated if you try to prepare for your examination based on this book. reaction mechanisms are not there, the details are scarce, and important points are too often omitted. only suitable for those who will only do one biochemistry course.

Two thumbs way up, June 13, 2003
This book is one of the best biochemistry available. It presents an extensive amount of valuable concepts and information a highly readable manner. I used this text as an undergraduate and even as a gradduate student I find it impossible to part with it. The understanding biochemistry CD that is included with the book is also an excellent tool for revision. I found that the retention of information and ease of understanding is higher when the book is used in conjunction with the CD. It comes highly recommended for any serious students of biochemistry and as an invaluable reference.

A Complex Subject Made More Complex By Writing Style, May 25, 2000
I take exception to the lavish praise heaped on this textbook. This may be the best biochem text available, but, it has numerous flaws that I believe Lubert Stryer's "Biochemistry" does (did) not have. First, the authors have a poor writing style, which includes long winded, convoluted sentences containing several ideas that could have been put in shorter, simpler sentences. The result of this is unclear meanings, loss of continuity of ideas, and awkward sentence structure. Second, terms are used without definiton. Third, appositon is used inappropriately and is so over used as to lead to confusion and obscurity of meaning. Fourth, verb phrases are sometimes separated so far from the subject and main idea of the sentence that you find yourself rereading the sentence, not so much for meaning, but more so for sorting out the structure. I could go on. There is much to be said for short, direct, simple sentences such as was Stryer's style. In conclusion, this text may have the relevant information necessary for an undergraduate course in biochemistry, but in my opinion, it is not well written.

One of the best Biochem books that you will find, August 23, 2002
After many years, Lehninger continues to be the most authoritative book in Biochemistry. Biochemistry is a very fascinating subject that requires a lot of organization, what a student least wants is to struggle with the organization or wording of the book.
The topics on this book are logically developed and takes the reader hand through its contents in detailed manner. I would say that this is one of the few books that can be considered as a bible. I see a promising future for this book since no book as come close to Lehninger.

Good reference for non-chemists, June 14, 2005
As a physics graduate student interested in biophysics research, I found this text an invaluable resource. I had intro chemistry as an undergrad and AP bio in high school, but no organic chemistry or any other background. This text contained a clear introduction to biochemistry and described a lot of the techniques I was reading about in scientific papers in language that a non-chemist could understand. I still refer back to it frequently. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Chemistry: The Central Science is the most trusted book on the market--its scientific accuracy, clarity, innovative pedagogy, functional problem-solving and visuals set this book apart.� Brown, LeMay, and Bursten teach students the concepts and skills they need without overcomplicating the subject. ... Read more

Editorial Review

1001 Questions in MCAT Chemistry provides practice questions in all chemistry topics covered by the MCAT. The questions and explanations are designed to teach the student to think intuitively. Like the MCAT, conceptual thinking is encouraged while lengthy calculations are discouraged. Memorization of basic formulas is required, but usually will not, in itself, provide the fastest method to finding an answer. Questions are conveniently arranged by topic. Question difficulty ranges from easy to very difficult. Questions are formatted exactly like the MCAT. Answers and explanations are provided in the back of the book.
... Read more

Reviews

A must have for the Physical Sciences portion of the MCAT, July 22, 2004
If you want to score well on the physical sciences portion of the mcat, BUY THIS BOOK. I bought this book 5 weeks ago, and I feel much more confident about the material on the MCAT. Get this book for practice and drilling of concepts. If you don't know the material- DO NOT GET THIS BOOK!!!!!!! Like said above, review the material elsewhere, but if you wanna perfect your concepts get this book. Make sure you review the concept, though, before doing the problems. It's the general rule of thumb, that if you know the concept decently, and If you do problems (which this book has loads and loads, for example, there are 200 problems devoted JUST to acids and bases), then you will master the concept. I have improved my physical sciences scores now to a 12 up from a 9 in just 3 weeks. Granted, I worked very hard, but if you put your heart into this book, and really learn each and every one of these 1001 questions inside and out, meaning you learn why every answer choice is wrong, and why choices is correct, and also if you can give yourself problems just like the problems in the book, then there is absolutely no reason to not perform well on the Physical sciences test. Everyone says how the MCAT test is a thinking test is a valid statement for every section except for the physical sciences section. Only thinking you'll have to do is read and understand the passage (which, say if the passage is about magnetism, and you understand magnetism like thet back of your hand, is a joke), the rest of the test is simple math calculations and concepts. Good luck pre-meds-don't lose faith in yourself-the MCAT's are extremely difficult, but they are also predictable, and most importantly, conquerable.

Fair review for MCAT chemistry., October 6, 2002
This book contains many questions in basic chemistry for the MCAT. All relevant topics are covered; however, I feel that this is not the best book for review. The main objection I have is that the question format is NOT what appears on the MCAT. Most MCAT questions are based on a reading passage and very few of the Examcracker's questions are in that form. Those that are based on a passage are very simple when compared to the real MCAT questions. I scored well on the physical sciences section but it was because I worked through real MCAT practice exams. Do not use this book as your sole source for chemistry preparation. I've said this dozens of times to friends, "If you purchase a 'comprehensive' review book make sure you also use old college books, old college notes, and work through old MCAT exams."

Great for high yield review, May 14, 2006
To get into Med school after 15yrs in business I took my Organic Chem series over again, studied Exam Kracker's 101 series until I knew the books cold, listened to EK's Audio Osmosis about 10 times while communiting then took several full length practice tests.

Going in I thought I'd be taking it a 2nd time so I wasn't too stressed. Afterwards, I was even more sure I would be re-taking it. However, I managed a 30 (straight 10's) so I know anyone can.

Bottom line, MCAT is not about knowing a ton of details (unlike Step 1). Know the basics like EK teaches so you can apply the concepts anyway they ask the question. Then practice, practice and pracitce some more (yes, especially the essays). It will help cement the concepts in, but more importantly give you confidence.

My personal belief is reduced stress and being on top of your game test day are more important than which study aid you use. That said, EK's focused and yet whimsical style was perfect for me to go through it over and over until I knew it cold.

Excellent. Do be fooled by other texts, this rocks!!!, June 18, 2005
First of all, if you consider yourself a 'pre-med' and serious about the MCAT, then as such you probably would've done some research about your products you are using... judging from the other reviews, they have not.

These texts are for reviewing the SUBJECTS specifically... NOT for the MCAT!!! There designed to fill in the gaps you may have missed that some teachers 'leave out' during your education.

If you want reviews specifically for the MCAT, and you are already a master of all the subjects covered, then get the Examkrackers Complete Study Package here on Amazon.

The 1001 and 101 question series by Examkrackers is a great SUBJECT review for any student, premed or not. They explain difficult concepts in simple terms. Thanks EK!

Begin to think like the AAMC, March 19, 2002
I challenge anyone to find a better series of teaching tools than the 1001 series from Examkrackers. I have been collecting all of the available MCAT prep material for the last two years and I am very adamant when I say there is a lot of bad/misguided/bs out there for sale. The authors of the 1001 books have gone to great lengths to make these books excellent learning tools.

The 1001 series are not passages like the real MCAT, they are problems that allow you to hone in on your weaknesses and fix them. The mini-passage format allows the user to get accustom to the MCAT style of questioning. If you are able to understand all 1001 questions in this book, then there is no reason not to score perfect on the MCAT Physical Science section.

The 1001 books are about the concepts and they force the student to think intuitively. This, my friends, is how to succeed on the MCAT.

MCAT THINKING, March 13, 2002
While this book is better than most MCAT guides on the market, it does have some flaws. PRAISE: The questions are excellent! Just like the MCAT! FLAW: Often the questions pertain to information not previously mentioned or reviewed in the previous passage. EXAMPLE: A question from the first section involved answer choices of London forces, hydrogen bonding, and dipole-dipole moments. None of these terms or concepts were discussed previously! SO: Basically you need to have a good foundation before you get this book. Once you do buy the book, IT DOES TEACH YOU HOW TO THINK LIKE THE MCAT!!! Just remember to review the knowledge elsewhere!

From 8 to 13 on PS, August 10, 2009
Did every question in this book and saw my AAMC practice scores increase over the weeks. I did 100 questions of the book each week for 3 months leading up to the real test, and got me a 13. I am still in the process of applying, but feel much more confident with a 34 on my plate thanks to this book.

There are some errors in the book, but keep an eye out for them and consult with those PhDs you pay so much to have around on any that strike you as incorrect.

Pretty good study aid, September 7, 2008
This study aid has a good breadth of coverage of concepts covered by the MCAT. The questions are all in the style of the MCAT (Roman numeral questions, etc.). My only complaint was that I was hoping for some passages and passage-based questions for practice, and those are completely absent in this book. Overall, I think it's a good addendum to any study curriculum for the MCAT.

decent, March 31, 2008
This book is decent. Some good questions, but many a bit too trivial for MCAT. If you're pressed for time, this book may not benefit you too much.

Essential-- but don't go overboard!, June 2, 2010
Buy this book if you feel that you are weak in certain areas of chemistry.

The most problem-intensive concepts in MCAT Chemistry are solubilities and acid-base reactions. This book will make sure that you know what you're doing when given a Ksp, Ka, Kb, and any other combination. It is far too easy to read the equation for Ksp or Ka and think you know how to do those problems-- often, a student has no idea why equations are the way they are and just plug and chug. The MCAT will burn you if you don't understand why equations work the way they do, especially with solubilities and acid-base.

Great practice problems to test limiting reagents, reaction rates, Le Chatelier's principle, electrolysis. What I did for the MCAT was to study the concepts in chemistry that required problem-solving with this book. Try to skip the conceptuals question-- often, your own chemistry book can you teach concepts better than questions here, which usually operates on your knowledge of miniscule facts. Pay attention to what your instructors say are important-- do not do Vp questions, do not do phase diagrams. Often, the practice problems in your review textbooks is sufficient enough and you do not need to do practice problems for those.

I did all 1001 questions for MCAT Physics THREE TIMES and I understood all those questions. I kept a notebook that detailed explanation for all the problems that stumped me. I went on the message board countless times. And while I knew MCAT Physics backwards and forwards, the amount of work I put in versus the amount of information that I actually needed for the MCAT was around 30%. In other words, doing all the problems meticulously will get you nowhere! You will waste valuable study time. Find your weakness and focus on those. Other things, you should just know without extensive practice.

For example, what is the difference between the second and third row of the periodic table? The third row non-metal elements can have five bonds while the second row can only have four. This is a typical MCAT style question, and while a book like 1001 Chemistry will ask a large number of periodical tendencies question, this will probably be the only one that shows up on the test!

Study smart. Solubility, Acid-Base, and Electrolysis are the big subjects. Know how to do limiting reagents and stoichiometry. Do not do all the problems and master all of them-- that is a waste of time. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Building on the resounding success of the first volume (0-471-27235-3), Organic Chemistry as a Second Language, Volume 2 provides readers with clear, easy-to-understand explanations of fundamental principles. It explores the critical concepts while also examining why they are relevant. The core content is presented within the framework of predicting products, proposing mechanisms, and solving synthesis problems. Readers will fine-tune the key skills involved in solving those types of problems with the help of interactive, step-by-step instructions and problems. ... Read more

Reviews

Amazing Book, June 12, 2006
I ordered this book after reading Mr. Klein's first Organic Chemistry as a Second Language book and was immediately content with my purchase upon arrival. This book clearly explains how to approach countless types of Organic Chemistry II problems and was a much more effective tool than stumbling through my textbook or messy lecture notes. If you work through the numerous example problems within each chapter, this book is the perfect supplement for any Orgo class. The best part is that you don't really have to work hard to memorize a list of reactions; this book shows you how to approach novel problems and understand why the reactions take place.

I highly reccomend this product to anyone who is taking an Organic Chemistry course or preparing for the MCAT.

The only way to understand O-Chem II, March 18, 2006
This is the only reason I am getting an A in my second semester of organic chemistry. The lectures are okay, but the book simplifies the message and clearly explains the mechanisms and whats needed to understand them, not just memorization. Great buy.

Not a textbook replacement., May 9, 2007
I just finished my Organic Chemistry course. This book was a huge help, especially since all of the reactions were geared towards synthesis - the most challenging material of the whole year.

What it covered, it covered very well, BUT there was a LOT in my course that wasn't in this book. If you're looking for a great way to learn the basic concepts before you tackle your textbook, this is the book for you. But if your class doesn't have a textbook, or you're looking for a more condensed (and easier to read)version of your textbook, this isn't it. It's a good way to learn the basics, but don't expect it to get you through your class.

I'd recommend Organic Chemistry Demystified if you want a textbook replacement. There was only one reaction in my entire year of class that wasn't in that book, but it didn't break things down as well as Organic Chemistry as a Second Language.

It's so good it hurts........., August 11, 2009
----- READ FIRST ------
If you are taking the class, or planning to take the class, I think you will be better off reading from THIS BOOK as the PRIMARY resource, and your TEXTBOOK as your SECONDARY resource.
-----------------------

I took my second semester of Organic Chemistry last semester, but didn't get such good grades. I was distraught at my poor performance that I just HAD to learn myself the subject again, especially because my major was so grounded on science. During class, we would learn mechanisms after mechanisms, but all I could do (possibly due to my laziness to study very deeply) was to memorize reactions after reactions.

This was my mistake. There was a limit to how much I could memorize without grasping the fundamentals of why reactions take place. During class, we would be taught about mechanisms of the reactions, but it was my fault for not paying much attention to those. Big mistake. That is definitely a big no-no in Orgo II unless you have the perfect memory that would allow you to easily memorize all reactions that you are supposed to know.

But after I purchased this book, I found myself paying much attention to the mechanisms, and trust me, it was so much more interesting than just memorizing reagents, catalysts here and there, and products.

This book is so organized, and presents the mechanisms of reactions so thoroughly and in a fun way. I'm considering retaking Orgo II, now that I have a much much much deeper understanding of Organic Chemistry, and thus I'm confident I will get an A if I do so. This is because I learned that organic chemistry is much more fun when you can UNDERSTAND.

----- EXTRA NOTE ------
If you are considering to take Biochemistry, I heard that if you do not understand organic chemistry well enough, this class will be mainly rote memorization. And again, rote memorization makes the subject extremely dull, and you will be better off trying to understand the mechanisms and concepts rather than trying to memorize them. Therefore, if you don't have a good ground on the fundamentals of organic chemistry, I suggest that you get this book and study from it. This book is so much smaller than typical textbooks, but very thorough in laying out the fundamental mechanisms that will, not just help you, but MAKE you understand.

Excellent-- better than most textbook explanations, January 3, 2008
One will find a host of information from a standard Organic Chemistry textbook, but more often, a student shall view these reactions as separate and different and then find the subject overwhelming. Organic Chemistry As A Second Language II is EXTREMELY valuable in that it makes the student see how similar or different the reactions are. It also makes the mechanisms seem very simple-- the electron pushing and diagrams are so easy to understand, and best of all, accurate.

I am unaware as to the quality of David Klein's other titles, but I assure you that this one is a must-read for survival. I had even impressed the professor with a Baeyer-Villiger reaction that she did not cover in class.

Whereas this book has helped me to do well in my second organic chemistry class, I might have done better in my first orgo class had I encountered Organic Chemistry As A Second Language sooner.

Btw I don't know about the other guy, but Klein responded to my email.

buy this!, July 16, 2006
this book was awesome...it really helps you understand the underlying concepts and details of the second semester of organic chem.
definitely helped me pass the class!

Worthwhile Supplement, July 24, 2009
This supplement focuses on the sometimes alien and 'where the hell did that come from' reactions we can give to reaction mechanisms at times and clearing up the mess the main billion dollar textbooks simply couldn't get across without adding $200 more to the price tag. It was said that the advent of the reaction mechanism helped to minimize the amount of 'memorization' of reactions that occurred, so that students could apply their knowledge of the basic reactions to examples where they hide the basic functional groups, hiding acetals, hiding hemi-acetals in rings, etc. but it seems ineffective. In some ways, they have promoted a new breed of memorization by making there be less individual reactions to know, but never really EXPLAINING the mechanism in a way that could help the student develop and evolve a problem solving strategy/method. Add to this problems that are too easy, then jump to being too hard, having answer keys that do problems wrong, and don't focus on the bigger picture (especially on competing functional groups within a molecule, determining where the H+ will protonate, etc.) and that few hundred you shelled out for that big fancy OChem. book seems more and more like a waste every day.

After nose-diving my own grade in a summer class test on organometallic, ketone, and aldehyde reactions (arguably, the most struggled with material of the semester by many students because of the sheer number of small details and reactions presented)-- also, I had a whopping eight days between 'this is an organometallic' and 'so ketones and aldehydes do this' and 'here's you're exam' so, it was a bit tougher to master than had I been in a normal semester-- I had sought an aid to help rescue my grade to better reflect the effort I have been placing into this $800 semester. My professor recommended a book known as 'Pushing Electrons' which focuses on mechanisms, but I found it to take an approach similar to my textbook. I happened upon this page, was delighted to see the book was split up by semesters, hoping the split would allow for better focus on the nitty gritty of carboxylic acids, derivatives of carboxylic acids, aromatics, etc. and immediately ran out to the store to grab it.

Now, by no means am I too stupid for this class, I just can't work with the approach my professor, or the book take to this second semester. My interests and strengths lie in equations and formulae, which organic is about as void of as a stereotypical desert is of water so I really wasn't finding much in the class that appealed to my strengths. I managed an A in the first semester and ripped right through spectroscopy, but landed square on my face in the ketone/aldehyde chapter. I practically long for inorganic and physical chemistry nowadays. So, anyways, taking the aforementioned into account, I am simply looking for a way to better relate the material to my own needs as a student (looking for a practical methodology for tackling these problems starting with the basics and culminating in a problem set that spans from the easy ones to get you understanding the mechanisms and then later throwing hard ones at you to really test your mastering).

Current subjects for the next test include carboxylic acids, their derivatives, and the return of enol and enolates, etc. So, here is where my evaluation would truly begin.

Carboxylic acids themselves (preparation of and reactions of) are not separated into their own chapter like you may find in most textbooks, in fact, these guys are basically crammed into the last bit of the chapter on the derivatives, with the Fischer Esterification being the transition from derivative to carb acid reactions. The beginning of this chapter presents you with a 'golden rule' for nucleophilic attacks on carbonyls (you actually learn this in the ketone/ aldehyde chapter) and this golden rule truly is a work of genius. Using this simple rule, which simply outlines a basic 'thought process' for your mechanisms, then providing you the theory to competently go about writing accurate mechanisms, this supplement brought a new level of understanding for me to these mechanisms. This rule is presented in such a way that parallels the equation y=mx+b in understanding lines--without it, you are simply memorizing relationships and patterns, and some may do fine like this, but if you are like me... yikes.

This one rule was applied and demonstrated time and time again to not only get you to be able to switch between the derivatives, but perform EVERY reaction they can do (some reactions in your textbook may be missing from here, but that's the point... it works elsewhere as well) and they explain 'cross-over' reactions where you go between carboxylic acids (and derivatives) and ketones/aldehydes well too.

As a strategy, I've employed reading and studying this supplement and using it to gain familiarity with the subject material before attending class. This way I can focus on the actual chemistry going on and not busying my brain with remembering every detail of every mechanism. As far as this rule goes (just this chapter), you won't need to memorize a single fully drawn mechanism, only where to attack, what attacks, and if you need to (de)protonate--you know, the stuff your OChem teacher actually wanted you to know.

This book is a perfect complement to texts that cut back on their mechanism budget to load up on excessive molecular models in the early chapters and such and for those of you who are more equation-learning based who need to gather from a source a collection of tips and tricks that develop an actual problem solving technique instead of lulling you into the 'memorization' deathtrap. This of course, by consequence of the aforementioned statement, means that the book gears itself towards helping the student perform well on exams laden with synthesis after synthesis by being able to navigate each reaction clearly without getting lost in the amalgam of reagents and byproducts.

Good Supplement for Organic Chemistry, April 27, 2008
I have both the Organic Chemistry as a Second Language, and the Second Semester topics addition. I find both very useful tools for understanding OCHEM. The first semester book has useful nomenclature section, which is not covered at all in the second addition. I think a nomenclature section for the benzene section, and to show how Carboxylic Acid and other carbonyls are named and numbered would be helpful practice, although some of it may be review. However, the explanations for benzene ring mechanisms and modificaton is indispensable. This series of books are only supplements, and cannot replace the text, or lecture because there are topics not covered in the "language" books, and some reactions that are included in the Second Semester book may not be required in a specific course. You can not go wrong by investing in these books and working the practice problems.

pretty good, September 29, 2006
This is a really good book for the topics that it covers. There are some topics that it doesn't cover that are covered in organic two. For instance, there isn't anything on spectroscopy. However, it is very well written on what it covers. It is written in termanology that anyone can understand.

must buy for o chem students, May 16, 2009
this book and vol 1 are great to have as a supplement to regular ochem texts. it breaks it down & simplifies...always a plus especially in chem. i recommend. ... Read more

Editorial Review

150 pages of questions, answers, and explanations covering all possible topics in MCAT organic chemistry, both stand alone and 'mini-passage-based' questions, b&w illustrations.This book contains 1001 organic chemistry questions covering all the organic chemistry topics tested by the MCAT. Each question is in the MCAT multiple choice format. Questions are arranged by topic, and range from basic to extremely difficult. Typically, questions on a given topic begin easy and become progressively more difficult. Answers with explanations and formulas are provided.
... Read more

Reviews

Not the best book, May 14, 2002
I bought all of the examcracker books- some were good, but this book was obviously hastily prepared- there are numerous typos as well as redundant questions. The title of the book makes it seem like you're going to get thorough practice in organic chemistry but all of the questions are too short and straightforward to be relevant to the MCAT. Unfortunately, I don't know of any good book for MCAT organic chemistry- it's certainly not this one, though.

Exam Style, September 22, 2005
This book is a hasty review of Orgo, but it covers most of the MCAT material in relatively small number of pages. Although some diagrams are not very helpful, it tells you most of what you need. It is basically a good book if you are a time-pressed pre-med trying to take the MCAT in 2 months. If you have more time, I recommend reading over your orgo textbook once more and doing problem sets in various other MCAT preparation materials (the ones with only MCAT style problems). Hope this helps.

It will not prepare you for the MCAT, June 29, 2007
It does not deal sufficiently with reactions. The questions are too easy. I don't have a problem with the questions being in discrete forms since one needs solid understanding of the materials (through discrete questions) before being able to tackle passage based questions. But, after having gone through about 50% of the book so far, I don't feel like I've improved in my knowledge base in Ochem. If you need very very basic questions, this book is for you. I get the feeling this book was put together in a hasty manner with little thought invested in the quality of the questions. I would not recommend this book.

great workbook, November 29, 2009
Great practice problems, with answers. I like that the sections refer to the lectures and tell you where you need improvement.

Great way to review., August 23, 2001
This book provides an excellent way to review Organic Chemistry. The question types are very similar to those found on the MCAT (altough they are not passage based). The content overlaps precisely with what could be tested on the MCAT. Although there is a little repetition of concptual content, it makes you realize how few question types can actually be asked on the real thing.

Decent, July 23, 2005
This book was decent in that it reviewed some of the fundemental concepts necessary for the MCAT. However, most of the questions were too easy, and none resemble the format of an actual MCAT question (not passage based). There were some errors, but easy to identify. The book was worth having for extra practice if you have the money, but don't expect much.

Not the best, it helps, July 2, 2007
The last comment from James Min is on the ball, however, although many of the questions ARE too easy..there are too easy for sum1 who has a solid foundation in OCHEM, like myself. However, with sum of teh questions that i got wrong, the explaniations were perfect in allowing me to understand and review sum of the things that I 4got. Example: What is the hydrogen defeciency of C1204h3Br1-

The formula for this problem is (2n+2) - x/2 where is the number of carbons and x is the number of hydrogen OR Halogen...My OCHEM prof never mentioned that we added the halogens to this equation! So overall I will give the book 4 stars ... Read more

Editorial Review

Includes examples of chemistry in action in everyday life
See how chemistry works in everything from soaps to medicines to petroleum
Whether you're taking a chemistry course or you're curious about what chemists do, this fun and easy guide will get you up to speed in matter and energy, elements and atoms, acids and gases, and much more. You'll understand the basic concepts and discover how chemistry affects our day-to-day lives - from the home to the environment.
The Dummies Way
* Explanations in plain English
* "Get in, get out" information
* Icons and other navigational aids
* Tear-out cheat sheet
* Top ten lists
* A dash of humor and fun ... Read more

Reviews

First class book, February 13, 2003
I've tried to read various "beginner" books on chemistry since coming back from a twenty-one year science sabbatical. This one is by far the best.

The author takes you from the very basic "what is an atom" and "how to read the periodic table" to more advanced concepts such as Nuclear Chemistry, with consumate ease. The book throughout is structured for the (nearly) absolute beginner, with few assumptions being made about your beginning level of knowledge.

My only gripe is that he doesn't quite explain chemistry symbology in as clear a manner as he does most topics - hopefully this can be rectified for the reprint.

In short: an excellent book for the beginner. The only "pre" knowledge you'll need is the ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide. If you can't do that what are you doing trying to learn chemistry?

I've yet to take General Chemistry I at college but this will probably act as a good primer. I'd expect you'll need to do some more work and look at a textbook before going onto studying at college. This book will, however, give you the basic information you need to get going.

Very helpful for the chemistry-challenged nursing student, April 11, 2004
I am a nursing student, and I wish I had purchased this book earlier in the semester, instead of waiting for it to become available at the public library. After reading, what I am studying makes so much more sense. Chemistry is less of a black hole now. I like the quirky way it's written. The author does a good job of making the information feel a lot more friendly. My chemistry textbook this term does a fairly good job of explaining things, but I was still lost. Chemistry for Dummies was the 'lightbulb' I needed to make everything clearer. I am algebra-challenged and this book was quite a helpful adjunct to the class.

As an aside, it's true... you will almost never need this much chemistry unless you are a chemistry major. And this is just the baby stuff! I have queried nurses and they tell me they simply don't use it. Very frustrating, and a huge mental stumbling block for me, especially since schools in my area which are geared toward two year RN degrees don't require Biology I & II, which is far more applicable to nursing than chemistry.

Now I just have to figure out a good book to help me muddle through the next level of chemistry (required for a master's degree). .. General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis. Gack!!!!

A good chemisty ADJUNCT with pros and cons..., November 18, 2005
First of all, of course this isn't going to cover everything in your Chemistry I class, or it would be a textbook!

This adjunct is a good supplement to Chemsitry I. It often explains ideas in a different way which increases your chances of actually understanding the material. It covers quite a bit, given what it actually covers.

************Note update 7/2007***********************

Someone asked me a question about The teaching company video series, if it is college level. Well, no. It is High school chemistry. However, having never had high school chemistry, after going through the course, I passed chem I with an A... and I really didn't notice an educational level difference. The material presented was pretty much what you go over in College Chemistry I, so taking chem I once, getting an F, watching the teaching companies Chemistry set over Christmas break, and then getting 1 of 2 A's in the class the next semester speaks for itself :).
Pros: A good adjunct for first semester General Chemistry I. Good ideas and superior explanations of ideas. Often explains topics in many different ways.

Cons: Like most For Dummies books, the second semester isn't covered. I guess they assume you fully understand all concepts the first semester. This book covers (barely) maybe 1 topic from Chemistry II.

Worth buying for Chemistry I, the ideas will be helpful for Chemistry II, but another or more complete book that includes the 2nd semester would be helpful.

Other adjuncts you may find helpful: The Standard Deviants 3VHS set. The Teaching Company's 'High School Chemistry' video set by Frank Cardulla. This (the teaching co video) is the reason I was 1 of 3 A's in my class.

Good, but kind of fluffy, September 23, 2003
Whether or not you should buy this book really depends on what you need it for.

If you're interested in learning more about how chemistry is used in everyday life, this book is excellent. It does a very good job of explaining how chemistry is used in a variety of consumer and industrial situations. This is an interesting book in this sense, and very complete.

However, if you're taking a chemistry class, this is not such a good book. The explanations of chemical topics are a little fluffy, and certainly not what anybody would consider complete. While well-written and lively, it's just not "chemical" enough to give the serious student any real help when studying.

My conclusion: If you're looking for a fun book about chemistry, buy this one. If you're a student who needs help, go elsewhere.

Excellent introduction to chemistry!, March 8, 2006
This book is an excellent introduction to chemistry. If all 'for dummies' books are as good as this one, I will certainly buy more of them. I have a background in natural sciences myself (master's degree in mathematics), but I never studied chemistry at the university (or in high school for that matter). Given this background, I was afraid that a 'for dummies' book would be too dumbed down. I was happy to learn that this is not the case. I was surprised at the degree of understanding I got from this book. You actually learn how electrons take part in reactions (valence numbers and all that), and how to do simple calculations. This means that you learn enough theory to predict to a certain extent what will happen in a reaction. In addition there are lots of real life examples, with chapters on organic chemistry, pollution, chemistry in the home, and so on. This book is not meant to replace a university text book of course, but I doubt if you learn more theory than this in a high school course in chemistry. Actually I would think you learn less in a high school course, since I think some of the topics would be difficult for high school students. But of course you learn to do a few experiments in high school, which this book could never teach you (it would probably be irresponsible to try this in self-study book).

Read before you take chemistry 101., July 20, 2006
I bought this book as a supplement to my Chemistry 101 textbook. I was really looking for a more complete explanation of electron configuration, which I didn't find this book to be that helpful with. Overall, I thought this book helped to reinforce some of the basic concepts, but didn't really have much of an impact on my grade. I would recommend this book to someone who wants an overview of chemistry before taking the course or to someone who needs to brush up on basic chemistry before taking a more advanced course. It can also be helpful if you're having trouble with a particular topic. I did enjoy the supplemental information in the book having to do with chemistry of everyday life.

Good chemistry book, but not perfect, November 10, 2005
I am currently attending a community college and have been taking my very first chemistry course over the past couple of months. I thought this book would be able to get me "up to speed" in chemistry since I have never taken chemistry at the high school level.

The author does an excellent job in explaining topics in such a way that one doesn't have to have any prior chemistry knowledge to understand what he is saying. Another bonus is that this book has a comprehensive table of contents and a good index, so finding a specific topic to study or read up on is a breeze.

However, this book does have its flaws. And that is it doesn't adequately explain how to perform certain things like stoichiometry or dimensional analysis. The book would be better if it had more examples of math-based chemistry problems. Instead, it only offers a handful, and the ones it has are usually extremely easy problems. This can build false confidence, as it did with me. For example, I studied the section on stoichiometry in this book, and was able to do the problem that the author gave. I thought this meant that I was ready to take on any stoichiometric problem. To my surprise, in chemistry class I ran across multiple types of stoichiometric problems that were much harder than the one in Chemistry for Dummies, and I didn't have a clue as to how to do them.

But I realize the author might be limited due to space limitations and can't go in-depth in explaining every type of chemistry problem.

My suggestion to anyone who is thinking about purchasing this book is: if you're just wanting a broad overview of chemistry, but aren't planning on taking a chemistry course, then this book is fine for you. But if you're about to take a chemistry course, and you're looking for a book that will help you throuhout that course, then I recommend buying this book, and also buying a chemistry book that is dedicated to teaching how to perform the "math" based chemistry problems, such as balancing equations, dimensional analysis, stoichiometry, etc. Because while this book touches on those areas, it doesn't do so in-depthly enough to prepare you for a chemistry course.

Even I learned Something, October 6, 2003
I have a B.S. in chemistry and am currently working on a M.S. in chemistry. I also help high school and college students in chemistry. I bought this book because I am always looking for more ways to explain the same topic so as to get my point across. I felt this does just that. Plus, I was very pleased because I learned some information that I did not previously know and this is an entry level book!

I am not going to say this book is perfect; its not. But I find the only flaws are the typos and the content is great. This is the type of book I read for enjoyment (I admit others will not) and I got something out of it. It assumes you know very little about chemistry and it teaches you how to apply chemistry in the real world. It is a fun read, and very very informative. I would not recommend this for taking an AP course in high school as your only source of information -- this is a supplemental information, not a text book. But it will teach you a lot the sometimes text books do not.
This is a great book to help you expand on your everyday knowledge to learn more about chemistry and how it effects your life. If you are looking for chemistry content and clarity, this book may be just for you.

Chemistry for Dummies, October 8, 2003
Chemistry for Dummies, by John T. Moore, is a book that I highly recommend to everyone! It explains everything about the fundamentals of chemistry in an easy and understandable way. The book utilizes a variety of techniques that enable the reader to make sense out of the complexities of chemistry. For example, the pages of the book are loaded with helpful diagrmas, illustrations, examples, and tables that correspond with the text and make the information meaningful. Additionally, the book is organized in an easy-to-follow format. This book can simply serve as a guide to understanding the basics of chemistry or it can be used as a supplement to school textbooks that are typically confusing. This book is extremely interesting and has helped me out so much!!

No Dummy would ever take Chemistry, June 21, 2006
One thing I always enjoyed about the "for Dummies" series is the sense of humor and real realism in them. This book does an OK job, and is written by a Professor who understands what students struggle with and tries to make it as simple as possible. But Chemistry is a very complex and vast subject, no one book could contain every aspect of it. This book should be seen as a review or a brush up on chemistry, it by no means covers all the topics you will take in a Inorganic Chemistry class, especially the farther you go into the semester. The fact is most people who will be using this book are those students entering into Inorganic Chemistry, or General Chemistry. I do feel he could devote a few of the chapters to topics that will discussed in most Inorganic chemistry textbooks instead of such things as Organic Chemistry, which is a subject unto itself, air pollution, water pollution, and chemistry in the home for example. All relevant topics, but not really going to help you get a passing grade on a test. This is a supplement to your textbook that I feel is well worth spending a few bucks on and using it to your advantage. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Your everyday food choices can change the world—and make meals taste better than ever
 
For anyone who has read The Omnivore’s Dilemma or seen Food, Inc. and longs to effect easy green changes when it comes to the food they buy, cook, and eat, The Conscious Kitchen is an invaluable resource filled with real world, practical solutions.
 
Alexandra Zissu walks readers through every kitchen-related decision with three criteria in mind: what’s good for personal health, what’s good for the planet, and what tastes great. Learn, among other things, how to:
 
- Keep pesticides, chemicals, and other harmful ingredients out of your diet
- Choose when to spend your dollars on organic fruit and when to buy conventionally grown
- Avoid plastic—including which kinds in particular and why
- Figure out what seafood is safe to eat and is sustainable
- Use COOL (country of origin labels) to your advantage
- Determine if a vegetable is genetically modified just from reading its PLU (price look up) code
- Decipher meat labels in the supermarket
- Cook using the least energy—good for the earth and your wallet
- Eat locally, even in winter
- Understand what “natural” and other marketing terms really mean
- Buy packaged foods wisely

Navigate farmers’ markets, giant supermarkets, and every shop in between to find the freshest and healthiest local ecologically grown and produced meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables—no matter where you live
 
With The Conscious Kitchen as your guide, you will never again stand in the market bewildered, wondering what to buy. You can feel confident you are making the best possible choices for you, your family, and our planet.
 
 
ALEXANDRA ZISSU writes about green living, food, and parenthood. She is the author of The Conscious Kitchen, coauthor of The Complete Organic Pregnancy, and contributes the “Ask an Organic Mom” column to The DailyGreen.com. Her stories have appeared in The New York Times, The Green Guide, Cookie, Details, Bon Appétit, Self, and Health, among other publications. She is also a public speaker and “greenproofer,” an eco-lifestyle consultant. Visit her website, www.alexandrazissu.com. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The nature of fire, its symbolic significance, and its exploitation and control are examined in this fascinating study. Written in a lively style and enhanced by 117 compelling illustrations, it probes all aspects of fire, from the techniques used to extinguish oil well blazes to the prominence of fire imagery in religion and poetry. It examines fire's utility in matters of comfort, as in heating, lighting, cooking, and crafts; for spectacular forms of amusement, such as fireworks; its catalytic effects in explosives and internal combustion; its significance to ancient forms of worship; and many other fascinating applications. With its highly readable, nontechnical approach, this volume will interest lay readers as well as experts and professionals. Over 85 black-and-white and 2 color photos.
... Read more

Editorial Review

Get a Better Grade in Organic Chemistry

Organic Chemistry may be challenging, but that doesn't mean you can't get the grade you want. With David Klein's Organic Chemistry as a Second Language: Translating the Basic Concepts, you'll be able to better understand fundamental principles, solve problems, and focus on what you need to know to succeed.

Here's how you can get a better grade in Organic Chemistry:

Understand the Big Picture.
Organic Chemistry as a Second Language points out the major principles in Organic Chemistry and explains why they are relevant to the rest of the course. By putting these principles together, you'll have a coherent framework that will help you better understand your textbook.

Study More Efficiently and Effectively
Organic Chemistry as a Second Language provides time-saving study tips and a clear roadmap for your studies that will help you to focus your efforts.

Improve Your Problem-Solving Skills
Organic Chemistry as a Second Language will help you develop the skills you need to solve a variety of problem types-even unfamiliar ones!

Need Help in Your Second Semester?
Get Klein's Organic Chemistry II as a Second Language!
978-0-471-73808-5 ... Read more

Reviews

Must Have for Resonance, December 24, 2004
I did not understand resonance structures at all using other textbooks. After reading this book. I feel like I am a master. I wished all college textbooks were at the caliber of this tiny little book. Klein is an excellent teacher. He gives the straight facts in a way that makes perfect sense and doesn't bore you to death. Understanding resonance is, I think, one of the most important aspects of organic, and you're doomed if you don't. Beware, this book does not replace your textbook or instructor. All of the important equations such as alcohol, alkyne, and ketone synthesis are no where to be found in this book. This book really gives you the fundamentals that you need to understand orgo. That reason alone is enough to get it.

If you are Pre-Med, an engineer, or just taking Orgo, then.., June 7, 2004
GET THIS BOOK! I'm a current pre-med student at Columbia University and i wanted a book to help me prep for my upcoming Orgo class. Though I haven't finished this book, I can honestly say it is fabulous! I had to stop reading to come and write this review. Klein def. knows his stuff. He breaks it down into PLAIN ENGLISH! And for a student like me who hates the terminology of expensive text books, this is much needed relief. Its like he's talking to directly to you. You almost expect him to call, when you're done with the book, to congratulate and wish you luck in the future. There are many examples, some simple, others tricky and a bit advanced. I truly believe that you (and I) will go into any Organic Chem class and feel very secure about the material. Do yourself a favor and get this book. It concise, compact, and an easy read...A recommended book for you to take while your on that summer vacation!

Excellent book, April 15, 2005
My teacher mentioned this book after someone asked her about it at the start of the semester. I wish I had bought it then. One of my problems with text books is that they will define something once and then you're expected to have it mastered as it builds on that concept. This book seems to repeat things, not to where it's annoying but when he moves on to something else he'll review a previous part that applies to it. It really helps pull the material together. I wonder if my professor looks through it as well. Some of my class notes follow the book closely but that might be how everyone teachs it. I believe it was when she was covering SN1 and SN2 and the four steps to determine which way something will go based on the catalyst, reactants, etc... Anyway, buy this book. It's more than worth it to supplement your textbook and notes.

AMAZING, but be careful, February 23, 2005
This book was amazing for my first semester orgo class. The book helped me truly master the material, and I got an A in the class. But, be careful, it doesn't cover the second semester of organic. If you buy it for your second semester course, it will only serve as a review for the first semester material. My freind did that, and she was kicking herself that she didn't have it during the first semester.
I heard through the grapevine that Klein is writing a supplement to cover second semester as well. I hope it comes out real soon. Professor Klein, if you are reading this, please hurry up with the second semester book. The first book saved my semester!

I love you, Prof Klein, June 17, 2004
I'm a JHU student who took orgo two years ago. I got a D and I had no idea what was going on. Now I am taking orgo again with Prof Klein and its an entirely different class for me. Klein has this subject broken down into basic concepts, and it makes total sense now. We aren't even required to have the $120 text book (with its additional $80 solutions manual), just this short, simple, well-outlined book which I got for a mere $20. I still use Wade and my old Carey texts for additional problems, but I can't see how you can learn orgo effectively with those texts. Buy this book, do the problems and you will have a much easier time. And Klein, you are a great teacher, by the way.

This "aid" doesn't cover mechanisms. What the hell type of aid is this?, May 28, 2008
After reading the other positive reviews that almost make this book out to be a "holy grail" of the sorts, I assumed that this book would be of great help as an aid to my Organic Chemistry I textbook. However, as an aid, it really does a poor job of covering the information.

Klein spends ample amounts of time on Resonance, a concept which isn't too hard to grasp. Yes, it might be challenging for some, but when the course really gets tough (ie. Mechanisms), Klein tells you to "consult your textbook" and provides lots of white space in the book for you to copy down mechanisms and memorize them yourself.

It is this aspect of this "aid" which makes it so frustrating - Klein leaves you hanging in the most difficult part of Organic Chemistry. Quite frankly, I wouldn't waste my time with this book - if you really find yourself struggling with Resonance than you are going to have a lot more problems in organic chemistry than this book can solve.

Mechanisms are the hardest part of Orgo, and this book provides NO help for that besides white textboxes for you to copy them down from your textbook. Don't waste your time and money, if you want a supplement, get one that at least teaches you mechanisms.

I spent $40 for this book that is full of white textboxes for me to copy mechanisms down, I would hope that I can at least save some students from making the same mistake I did.

In all honesty, instead if buying this book, you are better off buying a few cases of beer - stress-busting is a good way to deal with organic chemistry!

Save yourself some trouble, buy this book!, February 13, 2004
Put simply, this book is amazing. Klein presents clear explanations of the main concepts of organic chemistry; he has a gift for reducing complicated concepts into plain language. This book offers helpful hints and patterns for things like resonance and chair conformations that you probably won't find in your textbook. For example, I found that my textbook would basically say "here's what resonance is, now draw some resonance structures" and I was left struggling to find a systematic way of drawing them. Klein's book shows patterns to look for when you're drawing resonance strucures so it takes less time. This book will prevent some headaches.

AWESOME, June 11, 2004
This is by far and away the best book I have ever seen for ORGO. I read and did the book before starting class and I have the highest average in the class! Eveything is in language that is understandable (even to a dyslexic like me!) and actually fun to read. My Prof. wanted to see it after I told him about it and he's recommending it as an optional text for the fall classes .. He also borrowed my copy to take to the departmental meeting and show to the other Profs. If you have to take ORGO and do well, this it THE BOOK to help you do it!

A Best-seller on our Campus, January 30, 2004
Our Organic Prof suggested that we look at this book, he said it communicated his way of thinking about Organic Chemistry, and that he highly recommended it.

Many of our class slipped out of the lecture to ensure that we could get one of the 37 copies available locally, I was one of them.

David R Klein is a genius at making Organic Chemistry easy to learn. What are those other authors thinking? Klein, in less than 100 pages - covered all the material we did in our first semester - and I finally understood what is going on. Finally, an Organic Text that gives you what you need!

He very quickly develops the skills you need to do well on your exams. Mark my word- there is NO OTHER text even remotely as usefull as this one - it's saving the life of half of my classmates - they're begging each other to borrow the text when the owner is not using it - even for 1 hour at a time.

Love this book! Thank you David Klein for saving my semester. Thank you again!

This book helps every step of the way., September 30, 2004
I'm taking Organic Chemistry for the second time, and this book is invaluable to me. The sequence of the book closely matches that of the course, and the information provided in the book supplements and enhances the material I get in lecture.

The book breaks organic chemistry down into simple rules and gives a great frame of reference for really learning the material. My grades on quizzes and exams are better, and reading the book and doing the many practice questions saves time for me later--it doesn't seem like more work, but instead, it helps me work and learn more efficiently.

I bought this book from reading amazon.com reviews. I highly recommend this book to anyone taking organic chemistry. ... Read more

Editorial Review

If you have ever suspected that "heavy water" is the title of a bootleg Pink Floyd album, believed that surface tension is an anxiety disorder, or imagined that a noble gas is the result of a heavy meal at Buckingham Palace, then you need The Cartoon Guide to Chemistry to set you on the road to chemical literacy.

You don't need to be a scientist to grasp these and many other complex ideas, because The Cartoon Guide to Chemistry explains them all: the history and basics of chemistry, atomic theory, combustion, solubility, reaction stoichiometry, the mole, entropy, and much more—all explained in simple, clear, and yes, funny illustrations. Chemistry will never be the same!

Editorial Review

When it comes to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and depression, everything you believe is a lie.

Lights Out

With research gleaned from the National Institutes of Health, T.S. Wiley and Bent Formby deliver staggering findings: Americans really are sick from being tired. Diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and depression are rising in our population. We're literally dying for a good night's sleep.

Our lifestyle wasn't always this way. It began with the invention of the lightbulb.

When we don't get enough sleep in sync with seasonal light exposure, we fundamentally alter a balance of nature that has been programmed into our physiology since Day One. This delicate biological rhythm rules the hormones and neurotransmitters that determine appetite, fertility, and mental and physical health. When we rely on artificial light to extend our day until 11 PM, midnight, and beyond, we fool our bodies into living in a perpetual state of summer. Anticipating the scarce food supply and forced inactivity of winter, our bodies begin storing fat and slowing metabolism to sustain us through the months of hibernation and hunger that never arrive.

Our own survival instinct, honed over millennia, is now killing us.

Wiley and Formby also reveal: