Focusing on the significance of chemical analysis in crime detection, this book captivates both scientists and non-scientists. It combines entertainment with education, offering insights into the latest advancements in forensic science and its crucial role in solving crimes.
How can a plant as beautiful as the foxglove be so deadly and yet for more than a century be used to treat heart disease? The same is true of other naturally occurring molecules as will be revealed in this current book by award-winning author and chemist, John Emsley. More Molecules of Murder follows on from his highly-acclaimed earlier book Molecules of Murder, and again it deals with 14 potential poisons; seven of which are man-made and seven of which are natural. It investigates the crimes committed with them, not from the point of view of the murderers, their victims, or the detectives, but from the poison used. In so doing it throws new light on how these crimes were carried out and ultimately how the perpetrators were uncovered and brought to justice. Each chapter starts by looking at the target molecule itself, its discovery, its chemistry, its often-surprising use in medicine, its effects on the human body, and its toxicology. The rest of the chapter is devoted to murders and attempted murders in which it has been used. But, be reassured that murder by poison is not the threat it once was, thanks to laws which restrict access to such materials and to the skills of analytical chemists in detecting their presence in incredibly tiny amounts.
This accessible book aims to de-mystify the part chemicals play in the products we have in our home and what benefits they bring.
This fascinating book takes the reader on a journey of discovery into the world of dangerous organic poisons.
Since publication of John Emsley's Nature's Building Blocks in 2003 there have been a number of new developments. Fully updated for 2010, this fascinating A-Z guide includes three new named and validated elements, new uses, a 'Deadly elements' section, and an updated Periodic Table. A wonderful reference guide for anyone working with elements.
At a pivotal moment for our planet, the book explores the potential for sustainable chemistry to transform industries like pharmaceuticals and agriculture, ensuring a better future for all. It argues that chemistry, often reliant on fossil fuels, can evolve to promote health and well-being without sacrificing progress. John Emsley, a renowned science writer, delves into essential aspects of modern life—such as food, water, and energy—highlighting how sustainable practices can enhance quality of life globally while addressing environmental concerns.
Besser aussehen, leben, lieben - wer will das nicht? Bestsellerautor John Emsley kennt den Weg, der direkt zum Ziel führt: die Chemie. Ob es um Haarfärbemittel, Kondome oder funktionelle Nahrung geht: Es ist ebenso unterhaltsam wie erstaunlich zu lesen, was der Autor hier zu berichten weiß. In fiktiven Meldungen entwirft er Zukunftsszenarien, in erhellenden Exkursen entführt er in die Vergangenheit. So schärft Emsley das Bewusstsein des Lesers dafür, wie viele nützliche, mitunter geradezu segensreiche Produkte ihren Ursprung in der chemischen Forschung haben. Denn wer ließe sich als Zahnersatz schon gerne die Zähne Verstorbener eingliedern, wie massenhaft z. B. nach der Schlacht von Waterloo im Jahre 1815 geschehen? Auch die Beschreibung der ersten, zentimeterdicken gläsernen Kontaktlinsen liest sich wenig verlockend. Chemisch hergestellte Stoffe sind nicht mehr wegzudenken aus unserem Alltag, werden beständig weiterentwickelt, und sind, so der Autor, viel besser als ihr Ruf. Nach Emsleys Beschreibungen vor sich hin gärender Naturkosmetika und hochallergener Hennafärbemittel erstrahlen auch in den Augen des kritischen Verbrauchers chemisch erzeugte Zusatzstoffe in Nahrung und Kosmetik in neuem Glanz.
Eine „Das Beste aus...“ Kollektion des Erfolgautors John Emsley. Vertreten sind seine Bestseller: Fritten, Fett und Faltencreme; Wenn Essen krank macht; Sonne, Sex und Schokolade; Parfum, Portwein, PVC. Die populärsten Geschichten aus dem Alltag in einem Buch zusammengefasst: Essen, Hygiene, Laster, Gesundheit, Kosmetik; die Stoffe, aus denen die Welt besteht...
Welcome to a tour of some of the recent advances in chemistry, taking in the cosmetic factory, the pharmacy, the grooming salon, the diet clinic, the power plant, the domestic cleaning company, and the art gallery along the way. Award-winning popular science writer John Emsley is our guide as he addresses questions of grooming, health, food, and sex. The trip is for all those of us wanting to know more about the impact of chemical products on our everyday lives. Each chapter begins with a fictional news item from the future speculating on the possible benefits that might develop from further approaches to research, and each chapter ends by addressing an issue of concern related to the topics discussed. These include whether homeopathic medicines really work, date rape drugs, how the toxic chemical acrylamide got into our food, and whether great artists were affected by the pigments they used. With his informal style, linking well-founded chemicals knowledge to fun situations, the author presents the information in a way such that the layperson can easily understand the arguments, weighing up the risks and benefits for each product concerned. Includes a glossary containing all the technical terms used for non-specialists.
What killed Charles II? Who thought he had discovered the perfect poison? Why did hatters go mad? This is an account of murderous chemical elements. Through stories of innocent blunders, poisoners of various hues - cold, cunning, desperate - and deaths that remain a mystery, it uncovers the dark side of the Periodic Table.