Chemistry: Books

Although the first real unifying theory of chemistry was developed in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, the 20th century saw many advances in the field of chemistry as well. From its Asian and Arabic roots in mystical and spiritual alchemy, ancient medicine, metallurgy, and crafts to the recent decoding of the human genome and the creation of nanochips for computers, the field of chemistry has come a long way in scientific discovery. Documenting great chemists and their achievements of the modern world, ""Chemistry: Decade by Decade"" provides an outline of advances in this exciting science field. Written for a broad audience of readers who have had at least one or two chemistry classes at the high school or college level, this illuminating volume is almost completely non-mathematical. It features solid, accessible information that is geared toward younger students, college students, teachers, and scientists and non-scientists alike. This volume is also enhanced with black-and-white photographs and line illustrations.

This book offers a fascinating look at the field of forensic chemistry.From the study of explosives and bodily fluids to drug analysis and fingerprints, chemical methods have played a major role in crime investigation in the last few decades. ""Forensic Chemistry"" examines the many ways these scientific techniques have infiltrated crime investigation in today's world.This accessible book examines the chemical characteristics of fuels and explosives, as well as arson-related methods; other ways of identifying criminals through chemical processes, including blood and bodily fluid analyses, the chemical characteristics found in fibers and hair, and latent and DNA fingerprinting; and the chemical properties of drug analysis. Biographical information on important researchers in the field is also included. ""Forensic Chemistry"" is ideal for readers interested in the chemical methods used behind the crime scene.The chapters include: The Origins of Forensic Science; Fingerprinting; Forensic Serology; Toxicology and Drug Testing; Arson and Explosives Investigations; and, DNA Fingerprinting.

Drug development and research offer some of the most challenging and exciting research in the field of chemistry. ""Chemistry of Drugs"" provides an introduction to the most common processes by which chemists design and develop drugs today. It describes the chemical principles on which those processes are based, along with an overview of the applications and hazards associated with a variety of drugs available both legally and illegally.Coverage also includes attempts to find and develop new natural products for use as drugs; the potential for curing diseases, such as cancer; the growing field of biotechnology; and combinational chemistry, a method of producing, evaluating, and developing new chemical compounds with possible value as drugs. Designer drugs are also discussed, as well as important social, economic, and political issues related to the development and use of drugs. Biographical information on many influential figures involved in the advancement of this field throughout history completes this enlightening volume.

By Daniel P. Weeks. This brief text teaches a skill essential to learning organic chemistry. By working through the program, students learn to push electrons to generate resonance structures and write organic mechanisms.