A Tale of Seven Elements

A basic understanding of the periodic table of elements will help the reader glean more from this fascinating book; however, the author makes it "user-friendly" enough for even the layperson to understand and enjoy. As a layperson myself, much of what I assumed about the history, creation and application of the periodic table and its elements was incorrect. Eric Scerri's ability to write succinctly while intuitively expounding upon clarification of terms and processes for those of us without a B.S. degree in chemistry or physics makes it a thoroughly enlightening and pleasurable read. What separates this book from other like-minded books that are written for and marketed to the general public is that this one works. Scerri successfully combines the right proportions of history, chemistry and physics that is inter-woven with compelling story-telling that keeps the reader engaged and motivated to continue reading (even through difficult passages like one quote written in French (literally).

As a chemist I found the book o be fascinating. As I studied for my chosen career in the 1950's I was always interested in Element 43 -- technetium. I wondered if it really did have some of the characteristics of manganese, Element 25. What its the color of pertechnate? Is the color as intense as permanganate? Although his issue was not addressed, I still find it hard to believe that natural technetium is so limited. The radioactive elements were addressed and truly their discovery was descried in great detail. Much different than the story of "Madame Curie" as depicted in the 1943 film. I was never sure why polonium was discovered before radium, and this fact became clearer in this book. I would recommend this book, to anyone who in interested in the evolution of the history of chemistry.

While working in the field of metallurgy for over 30 years, there have been certain elements I only knew as place markers on the periodic table. This book elucidates the search and discovery of these elements as well as the trials of many of those working in that area. I think the book would appeal mainly to those with some science background although the author focuses on what truly constitutes discovery as well as the fact that today there are few discoveries that are the result of only one persons work.I will probably order his book on the periodic table.

"A Tale of Seven Elements" centers on the historical tale of the last 7 elements to be discovered on the Periodic Table of Elements. For a reader of the history of elements, this book was a must have considering that there is very little published knowledge on the final seven elements or the exciting tale on how they were discovered. Dr Scerri did a wonderful job of keeping the facts straight while making those facts interesting to read and enjoy. The chase for these elements can be considered a scientific thriller once the reader realizes just how many different groups of scientists were trying to be the first to claim the right of being the discoverer, along with the national pride that comes with it. I would highly suggest this book to all chemists, students of science and those who are just looking for an interesting factual book on the process of discovery. Dr Scerri gives enough of a chemical background that even a novice in the field of chemistry can understand what is taking place, while giving enough details that those who come from a science background will not be bored.

I guess I really didn't know what I was hoping for, but a more interesting read would have been nice. Historically this is a very good book and would be of great help to anyone doing research or writing a term paper, but as a general read it was very dry and very boring.

In the year 1900, 85 naturally occurring elements had been isolated and characterized. The new century had given rise to the identification of the halogens as members of the New Group 7 of the periodic table. Other recent discoveries, including radioactivity, the nature of isotopes, quantum theory, and atomic number ( the definitive and unique property of every element ), were all to play critical rolls in the search for new elements. Uranium ( atomic number 92 ) had been found in the nineteenth century. Uranium is the heaviest naturally occurring element, but that was not understood at the time. What WAS known was that Mosley's x-ray fluorescence analysis could characterize the atomic number of every element. Application of this analysis to the ( then known ) elements brought a gracious order to the periodic table - and it showed that verifiable GAPS existed at atomic numbers 43, 61, 72, 75, 85, 87, and 91, where new elements were to be found. The death of Mendeleev in 1907 opened the twentieth century style quests for the missing elements. These quests were prompted by the new scientific tools, nationalism, and the hope for professional glory. Yet they were hindered by unfounded eagerness to publish, experimental difficulties, and antagonisms toward German scientists following World War I. So . . . despite the new tools available, this new element quest was slow going, characterized by many retracted claims, misidentification of isotopes, and contentious ( but very polite ) priority battles in the chemical, physical and geological journals. The stories are every bit as exciting as those of the polar expeditions, medical breakthroughs, and artistic innovations taking place in this same time frame.

En une seule phrase, sept substances étonnantes offertes Depuis l’introduction élogieuse de l’auteur distingué Oliver Sachs jusqu’à les conclusions de Scerri lui-même, le/la lecteur/lectrice trouvera-ici, une façon délicieuse à rafraîchir ses connaisance peut-être un peu ‘rouillées’ de la classification et l’organisation du monde ET du cosmos ! Si vous connaissez déjà certaines des autres publications de M. Scerri par exemple - The Periodic Table: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford University Press) ou encore - The Periodic Table Its Story and Its Significance (également par Oxford University Press) alors A Tale of 7 Elements vous enchantera une fois de plus. Mais si vous découvrez Professeur SQcerri pour la toute première fois il n'y à pas à vous inquiéter, car il a consacré les deux premiers chapîtres de cet ouvrage à un résumé succinct mais complet du Tableau des Éléments de Mendéléiev, une œuvre à la fois très utilitaire mais aussi merveilleux ! ET il traite le sujet en détails vraiment époustouflants. Dès le troisième chapître on est bien en chemin dans ce qu'on pourrait appeler un thriller historico-scientifique. Scerri suit presque religieusement deux pistes/ Primo - Comment déterminer le vrai découvreur d'un élément ? Où on apprend les inrigues autant scientifique que politique que sociale etc. qui accompagnent de telles découvertes - le nationalisme étant en tête de liste. Secundo - dans une veine plus philosophique, Scerri défend sa thèse que malgré des avancements modernes dans la physique et la physique quantique, on n'arrive toujours pas à dépasser l'œuvre rigoureuse mais néanmoins intuitive que Mendéliév a pu dénicher. Mais entre temps il y a bien de la place pour des anecdotes pétillants à propos des vies et de l'époque des chimistes concerné(e)s; des clin d'œils délicieux à propos de faux éléments qui n'ont pas réussi (comme l'émanium, le jargonium, l'océanium ou mon préféré dor signifiant languire pour la paix, un nom pour le hafnium qui a été écarté, dont la recherche a eu lieu pendant la Deuxième Guerre Mondiale; sans oublier des faits purs et simples mais qui prouvent encore une fois que la science est souvent plus étrange que la fiction. Alors si le Protactinium, Hafnium, Rhenium, Technetium, Francium, Astatine and Promethium sont ou ne sont pas votre "tasse de thé", je vous encourage de tout cœur de plonger dans ce monde fascinant au-dedans du royaume de l'imagination créative et une merveille très terre à terre . . .

Nadie como Eric Scerri para profundizar en la historia de los elementos de la tabla periódica. Más allá de descripciones de propiedades, usos, importancia, etc o de la historia de un descubrimiento, a través de siete elementos químicos, Scerri nos amplía el marco de visión y nos proporciona las herramientas para comprender mejor la apasionante historia de la química, que en definitiva es nuestra historia. El libro aún no está traducido al español, pero se entiende bastante bien si tienes un nivel normal de inglés. Lo recomiendo a cualquier interesado en la ciencia en general y a los amantes de la química en particular. La amenidad y rigor están garantizados.

A detailed and well written account of the processes and struggles underlaying the isolation and priority claims for the isolation and proof of identity of 7 "missing " elements in the periodic table. Perhaps a little too much on the history and philosophy and not quite enough detail of actual chemical procedures use to purify and identify the individual elements. Overall a scholarly and fascinating book.

English chemist Henry Mosely identified - based on atomic numbers - that seven elements were 'missing' from the periodic table in 1913. This book focuses mostly on the discovery of these elements - up to 1945 - including the personalities involved and the uses these elements were put to. The book concludes with the discovery of the remaking elements - all 25 of them - discovered on the period since. This is one of those books that is simply so interesting, so positively engaging that it's impossible to put down. The history of science can be thrilling when done well, and in this brilliantly-researched volume, the author conveys the excitement of each newly discovered element with emotion and impact. Why can't all science books be as good as this?!!

Quite short at just over 200 pages plus extensive notes and bibliography. The author's style is short, punchy and direct. There are few extraneous words or descriptions here. Content is fascinating and understandable by the general reader. If you have an interest in the sciences then this will be a welcome read.