From man's first exploration of natural materials and their transformations to today's materials science, chemistry has always been the central discipline that underpins both the physical and biological sciences, as well as technology. In this Very Short Introduction, William H. Brock traces the unique appeal of this fundamental science throughout history. Covering alchemy, early-modern chemistry, pneumatic chemistry and Lavoisier's re-interpretation of chemical change, the rise of organic and physical chemistry, and the transforming power of synthesis, Brock explores the extraordinary and often puzzling transformations of natural and artificial materials, as well as the men and women who experimented, speculated, and explained matter and change. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

The History of Chemistry: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)

Science & Math

Brock, William H.

Chemistry

Oxford University Press

The Norton History of Chemistry (Norton History of Science)

Traces the history of chemistry, from the early experiments of the Chinese and Greek alchemists to the present day

W.W. Norton & Co., Inc.

From alchemy to industry, a synthetic history of chemistry through the ages. In this authoritative volume, a New York Times Notable Book of 1993, scientific researcher and historian William Brock recounts the astonishing rise of a sophisticated science. Tracing the roots of chemistry back to the alchemists' futile attempts to turn lead into gold, he follows the emergence of the modern study of chemistry through the works of Boyle, Lavoisier, and Dalton, and the twentieth-century breakthroughs of Linus Pauling and others. This timely, comprehensive history examines the shifting conceptions of chemistry over the past centuries-from its development as a scientific philosophy to, more recently, its practical applications in the commercial, industrial arena. Originally published under the title The Norton History of Chemistry. Illustrated

The Chemical Tree: A History of Chemistry (Norton History of Science)

W.W.Norton&Company

Justus von Liebig: The Chemical Gatekeeper (Cambridge Science Biographies)

One of the founding fathers of organic chemistry and also a great teacher, Liebig (1803-73) enjoyed a close relationship with Britain, whose scientific education, medical practice and agriculture he transformed. Brock's fresh interpretation of Liebig's stormy career shows how he moved chemistry into the socio-political marketplace, demonstrating chemistry's significance for society in food production, nutrition and public health. Through popular lectures and his readable Chemical Letters, Liebig also commented on issues such as scientific methodology and materialism. This is the first English-language biography of Liebig since 1901.

Biographies & Memoirs

Professionals & Academics

Cambridge University Press

One of the founding fathers of organic chemistry and also a great teacher, Liebig (1803-73) enjoyed a close relationship with Britain, whose scientific education, medical practice and agriculture he transformed. Brock's fresh interpretation of Liebig's stormy career shows how he moved chemistry into the socio-political marketplace, demonstrating chemistry's significance for society in food production, nutrition and public health. Through popular lectures and his readable Chemical Letters, Liebig also commented on issues such as scientific methodology and materialism. This is the first English-language biography of Liebig since 1901.

William Crookes' long life was one of unbroken scientific and business activity, culminating in his appointment as President of the Royal Society in 1913. Throughout his career he was an important science journalist, the discoverer of thallium, the inventor of the radiometer, investigator of cathode rays and the vacuum, a spectroscopist of significance in rare earth chemistry, and a spokesman for a chemical solution to the problems with the world's food supplies. He was also, and perhaps most controversially, an occultist who played a significant role in spiritualism in the 1870s, and was involved with D.D. Home (Browning's Mr Sludge) and other notable mediums of the day. Previous literature on Crookes has tended to focus on his involvement with the spiritualists, sometimes to the detriment of his many scientific achievements. This, the first biography of William Crookes, gives us the whole man: one of the most complex, public, and interesting figures in the history of science. Professor Brock guides us through the abundant catalogue of Crookes' accomplishments, placing his scientific activities in the context of the business of making a living from science - something that Crookes did principally as a science journalist and editor with his Chemical News (the model for today's Nature), and by business enterprises ranging from water analysis, sewerage schemes, and goldmining to the design of electric light bulbs. We also see Crookes in the lab, as an independent researcher, and learn the processes behind his discovery of thallium, his investigations into matter and energy, and his crucial work on cathode rays. We see the public man, the celebrity who was much sought after for his opinions on the latest discovery, and who was widely regarded as Britain's leading scientist at the beginning of the twentieth century. Scientist, spiritualist, entrepreneur: Sir William Crookes' extraordinary life and many endeavours provide a unique window into Victorian and Edwardian science and industry.

William Crookes (1832–1919) and the Commercialization of Science (Science, Technology and Culture, 1700-1945)

Routledge

, xii, 252 pages including Bibliography and Index at rear, illustrated with numerous black and white photographic illustrations within the text

From Protyle to Proton,

CRC-Press

William Crookes' long life was one of unbroken scientific and business activity, culminating in his appointment as President of the Royal Society in 1913. Throughout his career he was an important science journalist, the discoverer of thallium, the inventor of the radiometer, investigator of cathode rays and the vacuum, a spectroscopist of significance in rare earth chemistry, and a spokesman for a chemical solution to the problems with the world's food supplies. He was also, and perhaps most controversially, an occultist who played a significant role in spiritualism in the 1870s, and was involved with D.D. Home (Browning's Mr Sludge) and other notable mediums of the day. Previous literature on Crookes has tended to focus on his involvement with the spiritualists, sometimes to the detriment of his many scientific achievements. This, the first biography of William Crookes, gives us the whole man: one of the most complex, public, and interesting figures in the history of science. Professor Brock guides us through the abundant catalogue of Crookes' accomplishments, placing his scientific activities in the context of the business of making a living from science - something that Crookes did principally as a science journalist and editor with his Chemical News (the model for today's Nature), and by business enterprises ranging from water analysis, sewerage schemes, and goldmining to the design of electric light bulbs. We also see Crookes in the lab, as an independent researcher, and learn the processes behind his discovery of thallium, his investigations into matter and energy, and his crucial work on cathode rays. We see the public man, the celebrity who was much sought after for his opinions on the latest discovery, and who was widely regarded as Britain's leading scientist at the beginning of the twentieth century. Scientist, spiritualist, entrepreneur: Sir William Crookes' extraordinary life and many endeavours provide a unique window into Victorian and Edwardian science and industry.

Historical

Hove Grammar School for Boys was one of several "County" schools established by East Sussex County Council in the wake of the government's establishment of secondary education for all in 1902. This account, constructed around the regimes of three headmasters and a dedicated band of talented teachers, records a piece local history - the existence of a grammar school in Hove between 1936 and 1979, following which it was absorbed into the large comprehensive school known today as Blatchington Mill Comprehensive School and Sixth Form College. It will be of interest to local historians and a wider readership of historians of education.

Looking Back: Hove Grammar School For Boys - 1936 - 1979

History

Historical Study & Educational Resources

Grosvenor House Publishing Limited

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Brock, William H.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Brock, William H.

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Brock, William H.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

The History of Chemistry: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)

The Norton History of Chemistry (Norton History of Science)

The Norton History of Chemistry (Norton History of Science)

The Chemical Tree: A History of Chemistry (Norton History of Science)

Justus von Liebig: The Chemical Gatekeeper (Cambridge Science Biographies)

Justus von Liebig: The Chemical Gatekeeper (Cambridge Science Biographies)

William Crookes (1832–1919) and the Commercialization of Science (Science, Technology and Culture, 1700-1945)

From Protyle to Proton,

William Crookes (1832–1919) and the Commercialization of Science (Science, Technology and Culture, 1700-1945)

Looking Back: Hove Grammar School For Boys - 1936 - 1979