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The Elements
This is the periodic table as you’ve never seen it before. By presenting the elements in the order in which they were discovered, The Elements also tells the story of chemistry.
Now iconic, the table was invented in the 1800s, long before anyone knew what was inside an atom. As more elements were found, the table got bigger. Some were discovered at risk to life and limb – for example, the hunt for the explosive element fluorine injured or even killed several scientists, who came to be known as the fluorine martyrs. Even now, the table is still growing as scientists push the boundaries of science and technology to add to the 118 elements discovered so far. Some of the newest elements have been observed only as they briefly flicker into existence in the extreme conditions inside particle colliders and accelerators.
Gorgeous photographs show even the most familiar elements in a new light. Bold, clear infographics and artworks reveal aspects of their atomic structure that explain the science behind why they behave the way they do. For example, why is gold so malleable and diamond so incredibly hard? How can bismuth levitate, and why does cobalt make paint such a vivid blue?
This is a stylish and beautiful book that will delight all science fans. If you want to unlock the secrets of all the matter that has ever existed in the Universe, open The Elements.
DK would like to thank all the chemists, physicists, and geologists who helped to put this book Victoria Atkinson, Rebecca Mileham, Paul Board, Andy Extance, and Cally Oldershaw.
Now iconic, the table was invented in the 1800s, long before anyone knew what was inside an atom. As more elements were found, the table got bigger. Some were discovered at risk to life and limb – for example, the hunt for the explosive element fluorine injured or even killed several scientists, who came to be known as the fluorine martyrs. Even now, the table is still growing as scientists push the boundaries of science and technology to add to the 118 elements discovered so far. Some of the newest elements have been observed only as they briefly flicker into existence in the extreme conditions inside particle colliders and accelerators.
Gorgeous photographs show even the most familiar elements in a new light. Bold, clear infographics and artworks reveal aspects of their atomic structure that explain the science behind why they behave the way they do. For example, why is gold so malleable and diamond so incredibly hard? How can bismuth levitate, and why does cobalt make paint such a vivid blue?
This is a stylish and beautiful book that will delight all science fans. If you want to unlock the secrets of all the matter that has ever existed in the Universe, open The Elements.
DK would like to thank all the chemists, physicists, and geologists who helped to put this book Victoria Atkinson, Rebecca Mileham, Paul Board, Andy Extance, and Cally Oldershaw.
- GenresNonfiction
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2025
About the author
D.K. Publishing
10.2k books2,246 followersDorling Kindersley (DK) is a British multinational publishing company specializing in illustrated reference books for adults and children in 62 languages. It is part of Penguin Random House, a consumer publishing company jointly owned by Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA and Pearson PLC. Bertelsmann owns 53% of the company and Pearson owns 47%.
Established in 1974, DK publishes a range of titles in genres including travel (including Eyewitness Travel Guides), arts and crafts, business, history, cooking, gaming, gardening, health and fitness, natural history, parenting, science and reference. They also publish books for children, toddlers and babies, covering such topics as history, the human body, animals and activities, as well as licensed properties such as LEGO, Disney and DeLiSo, licensor of the toy Sophie la Girafe. DK has offices in New York, London, Munich, New Delhi, Toronto and Melbourne.
Source: Wikipedia.
Established in 1974, DK publishes a range of titles in genres including travel (including Eyewitness Travel Guides), arts and crafts, business, history, cooking, gaming, gardening, health and fitness, natural history, parenting, science and reference. They also publish books for children, toddlers and babies, covering such topics as history, the human body, animals and activities, as well as licensed properties such as LEGO, Disney and DeLiSo, licensor of the toy Sophie la Girafe. DK has offices in New York, London, Munich, New Delhi, Toronto and Melbourne.
Source: Wikipedia.
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Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review
September 27, 2026
Fun and interesting but heard to read on Kindle.
Another DK book the presents science more in terms of people and history than technology. Perfect for someone like me that wants to put some meaning to concepts and a world I could never be a part of.
Unfortunately the format on Kindle was very distracting. Formatted as fixed pages in a book I had to keep resisting and moving around a page to read and follow diagrams. Words and phrases could not be selected for highlighting, notes or copying.
Another DK book the presents science more in terms of people and history than technology. Perfect for someone like me that wants to put some meaning to concepts and a world I could never be a part of.
Unfortunately the format on Kindle was very distracting. Formatted as fixed pages in a book I had to keep resisting and moving around a page to read and follow diagrams. Words and phrases could not be selected for highlighting, notes or copying.
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review