John Emsley's Nature's Building Blocks was published in paperback in 2003. In this readable, informative, and fascinating guide to the elements are entries on each of the 100-odd chemical elements, arranged alphabetically from actinium to zirconium. Each entry comprises an explanation of where the element's name comes from, followed by Body element (the role it plays in living things), Element of history (how and when it was discovered), Economic element (what it is used for), Environmental element (where it occurs, how much), Chemical element (facts, figures, and narrative), and Element of surprise (an amazing, little-known fact). Since publication of the first edition there have been a number of developments. Three new chemical elements have been named and validated: darmstadtium, roetgenium, and copernicium and the section on 'transfermium elements' has now been incorporated into the main part of the book. Economic uses of elements have grown, and some quite rare elements such as Scandium are now economically important, along with updates to elements such as gold due to new roles in industry. Fully revised and updated for 2010, this browsable compendium holds a wealth of useful information.

A readable, informative, fascinating entry on each one of the 100-odd chemical elements, arranged alphabetically from actinium to zirconium. Each entry comprises an explanation of where the element's name comes from, followed by Body element (the role it plays in living things), Element ofhistory (how and when it was discovered), Economic element (what it is used for), Environmental element (where it occurs, how much), Chemical element (facts, figures and narrative), and Element of surprise (an amazing, little-known fact about it). A wonderful 'dipping into' source for the familyreference shelf and for students.

The Periodic Table: Nature’s Building Blocks: An Introduction to the Naturally Occurring Elements, Their Origins and Their Uses addresses how minerals and their elements are used, where the elements come from in nature, and their applications in modern society. The book is structured in a logical way using the periodic table as its outline. It begins with an introduction of the history of the periodic table and a short introduction to mineralogy. Element sections contain their history, how they were discovered, and a description of the minerals that contain the element. Sections conclude with our current use of each element. Abundant color photos of some of the most characteristic minerals containing the element accompany the discussion. Ideal for students and researchers working in inorganic chemistry, minerology and geology, this book provides the foundational knowledge needed for successful study and work in this exciting area. Describes the link between geology, minerals and chemistry to show how chemistry relies on elements from nature Emphasizes the connection between geology, mineralogy and daily life, showing how minerals contribute to the things we use and in our modern economy Contains abundant color photos of each mineral that bring the periodic table to life

To understand why we humans are as we are, it is necessary to look at the essential building blocks that comprise our nature. The foundations of this structure are our evolutionary origins as primates and our social roots. Upon these rest features such as our emotions, language and aesthetic preferences, with our self-perceptions, self-deceptions and thirst for knowledge right at the top. The unifying force holding these blocks together is evolutionary theory. Evolution provides a deeper understanding of human nature and, in particular, of the common roots of these different perspectives. To build a reliable and coherent model of man, leading authors from fields as diverse as primatology, anthropology, neurobiology and philosophy have joined forces to present essays each describing their own expert perspective. Together they provide a convincing and complete picture of our own human nature.

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.

First-hand 'popular physics' book by very famous theoretical physicist.