Chemistry International
Vol. 21, No. 4
July 1999
New
Books and Publications
New
Books from the Royal Society of Chemistry
The Age of the Molecule
This publication describes current cutting-edge research, as well as the
excitement and achievements of chemistry in the past that have enabled molecular
sciences to make a huge impact on progress in the 20th century. The Age
of the Molecule is written in clear, accessible language (at the level
of Scientific American) by leading young scientists for a nonspecialist
audience. It covers topics of general interest, discusses probable applications
for the next millennium, and will be an invaluable resource for schools and
colleges. The Royal Society of Chemistry intends to send a copy of the publication
to every secondary school, college, and university in the United Kingdom.
Contributions to the book include a foreword by Prime Minister Tony Blair
and a conclusion from Nobel Prize winner Sir Harry Kroto FRS of the University
of Sussex. Mr. Blair observes that "Advances in chemistry contribute
directly to our everyday lives� The Age of the Molecule contains wonderful
examples of the exciting achievements of chemists worldwide, as well as alerting
us to the challenges that lie ahead". In his epilogue, Sir Harry Kroto
comments that "Scientific breakthroughs have truly revolutionized all
our lives� in each advance, chemistry in all its aspects has been involved".
Each of the 10 chapters in The Age of the Molecule examines ways in
which different branches of the molecular sciences have directly affected
our lives. Topics include the age of plastics, analysis and structure of molecules,
chemical marriage brokers, chemistry of life, computational chemistry and
the virtual laboratory, following chemical reactions, make me a molecule,
new science from new materials, power of electrochemistry, and the world of
liquid crystals. All chapters are illustrated with vivid images designed to
reflect the central themes of the book.
Cost of the publication is GBP 19.50 for nonmembers of the Royal Society
of Chemistry and GBP 15.00 for members.
For further information, contact Tracey Wells, Royal Society of Chemistry,
Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1V 0BN, UK.
Tel: +44 (0)171 4403317; Fax: +44 (0)171 4378883; E-mail: [email protected];
Web site: http://www.rsc.org or http://www.chemsoc.org.