The Last Alchemist in Paris

This is a book about discovery and disaster, exploitation and invention, warfare and science - and the relationship between human beings and the chemical elements that make up our planet. Lars Ohrstrom introduces us to a variety of elements from S to Pb through tales of ordinary and extraordinary people from around the globe. We meet African dictators controlling vital supplies of uranium; eighteenth-century explorers searching out sources of precious metals; industrial spies stealing the secrets of steel-making. We find out why the Hindenburg airship was tragically filled with hydrogen, not helium; why nail-varnish remover played a key part in World War I; and the real story behind the legend of tin buttons and the downfall of Napoleon. In each chapter, we find out about the distinctive properties of each element and the concepts and principles that have enabled scientists to put it to practical use. These are the fascinating (and sometimes terrifying) stories of chemistry in action. There is the vivid and colorful - yes, catchy - style of the author, a born storyteller ... the author succeeds admirably in showing that chemistry is an essential part of our lives ... [a] highly recommendable book" ChemistryViews Chemistry is a messy business. Ohrstrom ... writes in English, and very well indeed, to remind us that physical chemistry is everywhere and can explain almost every material thing. Tim Radford, the guardian [A] charming mish mash of a primer. Barbara Kiser, NaturePREAMBLE: THE PERIODIC TABLE AND THE DA VINCI CODE ; 1. Mr Khama is coming to dinner ; 2. From bitterfield with love ; 3. The curious incident of the dog in the airship ; 4. The spy and the saracens secret ; 5. Biopiracy the curse of the nutmeg ; 6. Death at number 29 ; 7. Blue blooded stones and the prisoner in the crystal cage ; 8. Diamonds are forever and zirconium is for submarines ; 9. Graphite valley: IT in the 18th century Lake District ; 10. The Emperor and Miss Smilla ; 11. Rendezvous on the high plateau ; 12. The last alchemist in Paris ; 13. Pardon my French: Captain Haddock and the sufferings of the Savoyards ; 14. Two brilliant careers ; 15. War and vanity ; 16. When state security was a stinking business ; 17. Bonapartes bursting buttons: a thin story ; 18. I told you so, said Marcus Vitruvirus Pollio ; 19. A shiny surface and a tainted past ; 20. The actress and the spin-doctor ; 21. Of pea-soup, dangers of coffee in the morning, and the test of Mr Marsh ; 22. To take back the future ; ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ; BIBLIOGRAPHY ; NOTES