530 Physical Sciences
Emsley, John. Molecules at an Exhibition: Portraits of Intriguing Materials in Everyday Life. (Illus.) NY: Oxford University Press, 1998. xiii+250pp. $25.00. ISBN 0-19-850266-4. Index.
JH–T, GA ++
This beautiful description by John Emsley of the molecular makeup of the material world should be good reading for both young readers wary of science and adult pursuers of knowledge. A surprise is that there are no illustrations of any kind, not even diagrams of molecular structure. The "portraits" of the molecules are made of chemical terms, such as "nitric oxide," "carbon monoxide," "sulfur dioxide," "benzene," "fluorspar," "reactive," and "synthesize." The index is fair, but look in vain for "borax" or "boron," important for Pyrex (glass, which does appear in the index.) A good addition to the book would be a glossary: British authors sometimes overlook American terms. For example, "petrol" appears in the index, but "gasoline" does not. The occurrence and manufacture of metallic materials, both unusual and familiar, and of detergents, medicines, drugs, plastics, environmental molecules, fuels, and nuclear chemicals are covered in depth. Fascinating discussions in readily understood language portray each molecule. For the nonchemist the book is enlightening, for the chemist most intriguing. It is hard to put down in the face of all the exclamations (either out loud or in the mind) of "I never knew that before" and "So that's why that works." For adults, Molecules at an Exhibition is a comprehensive and fascinating introduction to a whole field of knowledge. The book is excellent as a reference work—not just for finding the meaning of a chemical word, but for understanding the entire background of the chemical. It could be used in the classroom as an introduction to chemistry. I look forward to the opening of further "galleries."—Elizabeth P. Hartner, Carnegie Institute, Pittsburgh, PA
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