A Guide to the Elements

ANNOTATION

Presents the basic concepts of chemistry and explains complex theories before offering a separate article on each of the building blocks that make up the universe.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The chemical elements and the basic principles of chemistry are the foundations of all scientific study, and this award-winning book provides a focused, comprehensive, and engaging survey of all 114 elements. A Guide to the Elements begins with an introductory section that explains some of the basic concepts of chemistry and traces the history and development of the periodic table of the elements. In clear, nontechnical language, noted science writer Albert Stwertka makes complex ideas and terms accessible.

Brought to life with historical anecdotes and everyday examples, each element is discussed in a separate article. Readers learn the history of the element's discovery, its properties, and its practical uses. A Guide to the Elements is enhanced with color illustrations and references such as web sites and a glossary. This new edition brings the periodic table into the 21st century with an article about ununquadium, the latest element to be discovered, and an epilogue about the ongoing search for the "island of stability."

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Carol Collins

This encyclopedia of information about the elements entices you to read from cover to cover. The book starts with a brief introduction to the development of the periodic table. Next, each element (from hydrogen to ununbiium) appears in its atomic order with a discussion of its nature, history, and uses. Both positive and negative applications for pure science, medicine, industry, and the environment are evenhandedly described. A glossary, chronology of the discovery of the elements, list of further readings, and an index complete the book. Although each entry is a self-contained unit, the whole story of how the periodic table has been filled in with natural and manmade elements (112 so far) fits together like an amazing puzzle. Unlike dry textbooks, this one inspires follow-up questions and further study. Although the chemistry (along with quantum physics) is inherently dense, the book includes entertaining tidbits, such as how policemen came to be called "coppers" or where the expressions "mad as a hatter" and "in the limelight" came from. The layout of the book is reader friendly with authentic photos (some in color) generously sprinkled throughout. It is a long overdue guide to a tough subject that students and teachers should welcome.

VOYA - Judy Ehrenstein

From Hydrogen (atomic number 1) to Ununbiium (atomic number 112), each element of the periodic table is considered, citing its discovery, appearance in pure form, and abundance on Earth, and the chemical properties of common compounds of the element. In a sidebar, the atomic number, chemical symbol, and group are noted. Stwertka includes the use of each element and its compounds, particularly in consumer items, adding a sense of real-life impact. This part of each profile might attract some readers to do more than just look up a single element; they might find themselves reading the book from cover to cover. Libraries might wish to purchase circulating copies for this purpose. Black-and-white and color photographs, as well as historic drawings, help illustrate and break up some very solid blocks of text; section headings would also have been useful. Still, these are minor drawbacks and students might not notice them nor be in the position to grumble about them when working on assignments. While the glossary defines key terms, knowledge of chemistry is necessary for full understanding. A chronology of discovery offers a look at the periodic table as it fills up, ranging from 1250 (arsenic) to 1996 (ununbiium). When used in conjunction with Exploring Chemical Elements and Their Compounds by David L. Heiserman (Tab Books, 1992), which provides more numerical information on each element and a listing of isotopes, students will have more than adequate information to draw from for reports. Glossary. Index. Photos. Charts. Source Notes. Further Reading. Chronology.

KLIATT - Paula Rohrlick

This is an updated version of Professor's Stwertka's acclaimed 1996 guide to the periodic table, which was named "Best Science Book for Junior & Senior High School" by Science Books & Films. In clear, easy-to-read language, Stwertka explains the periodic table and its history, and then describes each of the 114 elements with information on discovery, properties, and uses. Examples, anecdotes, and new color and b/w photos enliven the text: for instance, did you know that hotels with large windows "use glass coated with a thin film of gold to counter the greenhouse effect and prevent their lobbies from overheating"? An epilogue discusses the search for new elements, and a helpful list of Web sites, a chronology and a glossary are included. For all libraries as well as chemistry classrooms. KLIATT Codes: JSA*�Exceptional book, recommended for junior and senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 2002, Oxford Univ. Press, 248p. illus. tables. bibliog. index.,

Booknews

This award winner (Parents' Choice Gold Award, Society of School Librarians International Book Award, and Best Science Book for Junior and Senior High School by Science Books and Films) devotes an essay to each element, the latest being element 114, Ununquadiu, created in 1999 at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna, Russia. Articles discuss discovery, properties, and practical uses of each element. A historical overview of the periodic table introduces the volume and suggestions for further reading and website browsing, a glossary, and a chronology come at the end of the volume. The last edition appeared in 1996. Stwertka is emeritus professor of the US Merchant Marine Academy. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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