A review by asgard793
Elemental: How the Periodic Table Can Now Explain (Nearly) Everything by Tim James

4.0

Elemental is written for those seeking an entry point into chemistry. The writing is aimed towards high schoolers and lifelong learners alike. Tim James starts by giving a history of humanity's interactions with nature and its chemicals, with some discoveries being anticipated and others by accident. We learn how we got from earth, air, fire and water to polonium, germanium, carbon and lithium, how we went from silver to the silver screen, and what makes gold so exceptional. James also has fun vignettes where he discusses the most flammable, poisonous and fluid chemicals, and devotes a chapter to his pick for the most important and most underwhelming element(s). The main text is a brisk 161 pages with 6 appendixes. I'll never look at a tin can, a chlorinated pool or my body the same again. Truly a fire-starter for those who want to delve into the subject.