P. W. Atkins

Molecules by P.W.Atkins is a surprisingly detailed yet accessible overview of the molecules which are important in our lives. Atkins lays out 160 molecules in these pages, divided into various categories from simple substances such as water to the complicated molecules in lipids, senses and other drugs and hormones. Each molecule is accompanied with an expanded sphere image, as well as a skeletal model for more complex organic molecules. Some education in chemical principles will help in understanding this book, but it is very good at conveying the author's passion for the subject and is a good introductory read to anyone interested in how chemistry underlies our lives. I would not recommend trying to study from the text, however - this is more light science reading. 5/5 for clear presentation and language.… (more)

Not every invention of the chemical sciences is good for the environment, but there are exceptions. Before the career of a William Perkin in the 19th century, purple dye apparently came from sea snails, an animal source, and this method made the creation of color dyes both very expensive, difficult to obtain, and destructive of animal life; now it comes from a chemical dye that is not an animal product at all.

There was pollution from the new chemical dyes, though, although ‘green chemistry’ tries to minimize disruption to the environment from chemicals. And of course, even before I read this book I had to laugh (though not with mirth) at the ad for shoes from “all natural” materials, made from animals, factory farmed, most like, and doomed to be slaughtered as though they’d done something wrong.

It’s not always easy or obvious reconciling chemistry and science-and-technology, with ecology and science-and-nature, but of course, the thing will have to be done for us to be happy in the future.… (more)