Creative Chemistry


Read by LivelyHive

(4.6 stars; 38 reviews)

Slosson reviews the transformation of alchemistry from an obscure and imprecise practice to the science of chemistry. Along the way, he explains how the modern industrial world now relies on fertilizers, explosives, textile materials, polymers and metals.

By exploring the properties of a once undervalued element, the high strength of vanadium steel made the Ford car possible. Another element, cerium, appears in butane lighters and was once seen as a threat to the match industry in France.

In his chapter on oils, Slosson reviews the development of hydrogenated oils, especially during WWII, in the search for a way to reuse otherwise discarded components of corn and cottonseed. Through the revolutionary reaction of hydrogenation, waste materials became a stable product that wouldn't spoil when packaged or carried without refrigeration. Once thought of as a miracle, shoppers were once willing to pay more for fully hydrogenated oils than their natural, unsaturated forms. Only in recent years has evidence of health risks checked their popularity and given them the image of cheap, unhealthy fillers. (Summary by LivelyHive) (11 hr 6 min)

Chapters

introduction 13:04 Read by LivelyHive
Ch 1. Three Periods of Progress 22:21 Read by LivelyHive
Ch. 2 Nitrogen 49:26 Read by LivelyHive
Ch. 3 Feeding The Soil 49:14 Read by LivelyHive
Ch. 4 Coal-Tar Colors, part 1/2 30:13 Read by LivelyHive
Ch. 4 Coal-Tar Colors, part 2/2 41:58 Read by LivelyHive
Ch. 5 Synthetic Perfumes And Flavors 40:01 Read by LivelyHive
Ch. 6 Cellulose 41:29 Read by LivelyHive
Ch. 7 Synthetic Plastics 37:40 Read by LivelyHive
Ch. 8 The Race For Rubber 41:58 Read by LivelyHive
Ch. 9 The Rival Sugars 37:16 Read by LivelyHive
Ch. 10 What Comes From Corn 34:32 Read by LivelyHive
Ch. 11 Solidified Sunshine 44:44 Read by LivelyHive
Ch. 12 Fighting With Fumes 41:02 Read by LivelyHive
Ch. 13 Products Of The Electric Furnace 1:00:39 Read by LivelyHive
Ch. 14 Metals, Old And New part 1/2 37:31 Read by LivelyHive
Ch. 14 Metals, Old And New part 2/2 43:26 Read by LivelyHive

Reviews

very good book


(3.5 stars)

It's a pretty interesting book, but the background noise and the reader's lack of infection makes it somewhat a pain to listen to. the more you listen to it though, the less annoying he is.

lots of information


(5 stars)

Great book about the science of chemistry. Old books always seem to explain subjects with better clarity.

Must listen


(5 stars)

A fascinating journey of the materials that are all around us. Nicely read.

Creative Chemistry


(4 stars)

Great book. Very informative. Excellent refresher for the chemistry buff.

Deep blo es wè


(3.5 stars)

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amazing Book


(5 stars)

book is good and audio quality is also good

Great overview of American chemistty 100 years ago


(5 stars)