Magick, Mayhem and Mavericks: The Spirited History of Physical Chemistry Book

In MAGICK, MAYHEM, AND MAVERICKS, physical chemist Cathy Cobb takes a unique approach to explaining the concepts of this essential body of knowledge by telling the story of the geniuses and eccentrics who over the centuries made groundbreaking discoveries in this fascinating field that bridges chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Her tale is as much about the colorful varieties of human character as it is about the struggles to understand the workings of the material world. Through true stories of rebels, recluses, heroes, and rogues--some burned at the stake--Cobb creates a compelling narrative (without a single equation to ponder) that helps the reader discover how one idea built upon another and how an elegant discipline arose from centuries of trial and error. Starting with the ancient Greeks, Cobb takes the reader on a sweeping tour of history. She shows how an understanding of basic chemical properties gradually emerged out of medieval "magick" and alchemy, the primitive healing arts, and the mathematics of the ancient Greeks as modified by Muslim scientists. Her tour continues through the scientific revolution, which laid the foundation for our modern principles and methods, up to the present creation of new techniques that can be used for rational drug design and the manipulation of individual atoms in the promising field of nanotechnology. With engaging explanations of fundamental scientific concepts and a lively cast of characters, this absorbing, eloquently written, and spirited history of physical chemistry will surely enhance the reader's comprehension and appreciation of our richly textured past, the exhilarating scientific advances of today, and the challenges for tomorrow.Read More