Transforming Matter: A History of Chemistry from Alchemy to the Buckyball

Johns Hopkins Introductory Studies in the History of Science

by Trevor H. Levere

Chemistry explores the way atoms interact, the constitution of the stars, and the human genome. Knowledge of chemistry makes it possible for us to manufacture dyes and antibiotics, metallic alloys, and other materials that contribute to the necessities and luxuries of human life. In Transforming Matter, noted historian Trevor H. Levere emphasizes that understanding the history of these developments helps us to appreciate the achievements of generations of chemists. Levere examines the dynamic rise of chemistry from the study of alchemy in the seventeenth century to the development of organic and inorganic chemistry in the age of government-funded research and corporate giants. In the past two centuries, he points out, the number of known elements has quadrupled. And because of synthesis, chemistry has increasingly become a science that creates much of what it studies. Throughout the book, Levere follows a number of recurring theories about the elements, the need for classification, the status of chemical science, and the relationship between practice and theory. He illustrates these themes by concentrating on some of chemistry's most influential and innovative practitioners. Transforming Matter provides an accessible and clearly written introduction to the history of chemistry, telling the story of how the discipline has developed over the years.

Genres: Science, Chemistry, History, History Of Science

232 pages, Paperback

First published June 19, 2001

Reviews

[Brandon Whitaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Studying up on the history of chemistry in order to better teach it, and this book has been very helpful in that pursuit. Levere covers a lot of ground in an accessible manner, and he steps beyond a mere catalogue of discoveries to give a more comprehensive picture of how the landscape changed over time. It is nice, in the modern era, to enjoy an account of the history of scientific progress that is not overeager to dismiss the theories and reasoning of the past as primitive and irrelevant. Levere gives due time and consideration to the roots, not only of theories but of basic concepts that still inform the practice of chemistry in the modern day.

[Bruce Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a non-scientist my interest waned in the middle. The prose was crackling early on in the book but seemed to drag later on.