Product Description

Welcome to a tour of some of the recent advances in chemistry, taking in the cosmetic factory, the pharmacy, the grooming salon, the diet clinic, the power plant, the domestic cleaning company, and the art gallery along the way. Award–winning popular science writer John Emsley is our guide as he addresses questions of grooming, health, food, and sex. The trip is for all those of us wanting to know more about the impact of chemical products on our everyday lives.

Each chapter begins with a fictional news item from the future speculating on the possible benefits that might develop from further approaches to research, and each chapter ends by addressing an issue of concern related to the topics discussed. These include whether homeopathic medicines really work, date rape drugs, how the toxic chemical acrylamide got into our food, and whether great artists were affected by the pigments they used.

With his informal style, linking well–founded chemicals knowledge to fun situations, the author presents the information in a way such that the layperson can easily understand the arguments, weighing up the risks and benefits for each product concerned.
Includes a glossary containing all the technical terms used for non–specialists.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #361540 in Books
• Published on: 2007-05-25
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 249 pages

Review
"…Emsley has produced an excellent read and I wait with anticipation for his next offering." (Education in Chemistry, January 2008)

‘Anyone already singing with the chemical choir should read this. In fact, everyone should read this. Chemicals impact on all our lives..’ (Science Base, 10th July 2007)

"…is to be highly applauded…racy and enthusiastic, making it hard to put down…Praise indeed." (Chemistry World, August 2007)

"Don′t judge this book by its cover. Jump in and discover just how much chemistry is responsible for." (Sense About Science, August 2007)

"...an Aladdin′s cave of chemical treasures..." (Chemistry Review, November 2007)

Review
‘Anyone already singing with the chemical choir should read this. In fact, everyone should read this...’ (Science Base, 10th July 2007)

"…is to be highly applauded…racy and enthusiastic, making it hard to put down…Praise indeed." (Chemistry World, August 2007)

"Don′t judge this book by its cover. Jump in and discover just how much chemistry is responsible for." (Sense About Science, August 2007)

"...an Aladdin′s cave of chemical treasures..." (Chemistry Review, November 2007)

Chemistry Review, November 2007
"...an Aladdin's cave of chemical treasures..."