Atkins' Molecules (2nd ed.)

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by Peter Atkins

Cambridge University Press

Due/Published October 2003, 250 pages, paper

ISBN 0521535360

This is a new edition of the book that was called 'the most beautiful chemistry book ever written' by the New Scientist." In it, we see the molecules responsible for the experiences of our everyday life - including fabrics, drugs, plastics, explosives, detergents, fragrances, tastes, and sex. With engaging prose Peter Atkins gives a non-technical account of an incredible range of aspects of the world around us, showing unexpected connections, and giving an insight into how this amazing world can be understood in terms of the atoms and molecules from which it is built. The new edition has dozens of new molecules and a completely new graphical presentation. 280 colour plates

"We need to be reminded that matter, ordinary matter, is mysterious and magical. In Atkins' delightful book, the Cinderella of chemistry begins to look a lot like a beautiful princess." Boston Globe

 Contents

Preface; Introduction; 1. Simple substances; 2. Fuels, fats and soaps; 3. Synthetic and natural polymers; 4. Taste, smell, and pain; 5. Sight and colour; 6. The light and the dark; 7. Life.