Transforming Matter - A History of Chemistry From Alchemy to the Buckyball

Chemistry explores the way atoms interact, the constitution of the stars, and the human genome. Knowledge of chemistry makes it possible for us to manufacture dyes and antibiotics, metallic alloys, and other materials that contribute to the necessities and luxuries of human life. In Transforming Matter, noted historian Trevor H. Levere emphasizes that understanding the history of these developments helps us to appreciate the achievements of generations of chemists.Levere examines the dynamic rise of chemistry from the study of alchemy in the seventeenth century to the development of organic and inorganic chemistry in the age of government-funded research and corporate giants. In the past two centuries, he points out, the number of known elements has quadrupled. And because of synthesis, chemistry has increasingly become a science that creates much of what it studies.Throughout the book, Levere follows a number of recurring themes: theories about the elements, the need for classification, the status of chemical science, and the relationship between practice and theory. He illustrates these themes by concentrating on some of chemistry's most influential and innovative practitioners. Transforming Matter provides an accessible and clearly written introduction to the history of chemistry, telling the story of how the discipline has developed over the years.

About the author

Trevor H. Levere is a professor in the Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology at the University of Toronto. He is the editor of Annals of Science and the author of many books, including Affinity and Matter: Elements of Chemical Philosophy 1800-1865 and Chemists and Chemistry in Science and Society, 1750-1878.

Summary

Transforming Matter provides an accessible and clearly written introduction to the history of chemistry, telling the story of how the discipline has developed over the years.

Product details

• Authors: Trevor H Levere, Trevor H. Levere, Trevor H. (University of Toronto) Levere
• Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 28.09.2001
• EAN: 9780801866104
• ISBN: 978-0-8018-6610-4
• No. of pages: 232
• Series: Johns Hopkins Introductory Studies in the History of Science; Johns Hopkins Introductory Studies in the History of Science; Johns Hopkins Introductory Stu; Hopkins Introductions to the History of Science, Technology, and Medicine
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > History > Cultural history; Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Chemistry > General, dictionaries; History: specific events & topics, HISTORY / General, SCIENCE / History, SCIENCE / Chemistry / General, chemistry, History of Science, History: specific events and topics, History of Chemistry