Napoleon's Buttons : 17 Molecules That Changed History

from devilish2

A description of 17 sets of molecules that have played crucial roles in our world both now and in the past. Interesting but not earth-shattering. Like most of this genre of popular non-fiction, there are lots of interesting facts, however there is ultimately no storyline. But an interesting blend...

from drbubbles

The title is a near miss. It's more like "17 kinds of molecules and their historical contexts". The history parts are feeble (some of the references are Time-Life series!), sometimes even laughable. Basically it just comprises speculation and anecdotes. The chemistry part, though, is great (I say...

from GlennBell

This is an interesting story that discusses the discovery and impact of chemicals in scientific advancement and changes in lifestyle. This is a unique book in that it discussed the importance of a number of chemicals in the history of mankind. I strongly recommend the book.

from Niecierpek

It was interesting, but I resented this book for misrepresenting itself. Its title offers discussing 17 molecules that changed history- much too grand a claim to what it actually offers. In reality, it discusses natural and man-made compounds like, for example, quinine or polymers in history and ...

from

A collection of stories about various groups of molecules that have impacted history, from spices, to foods, to medicines, to refrigerants, etc. presented without shirking away from the chemistry involved. It was engaging and interesting even to an organic chemist. One would not have to be an che...