Book Description
The periodic table is one of the most potent icons in science. It lies at the core of chemistry and embodies the most fundamental principles of the field. The one definitive text on the development of the periodic table by van Spronsen (1969), has been out of print for a considerable time. The present book provides a successor to van Spronsen, but goes further in giving an evaluation of the extent to which modern physics has, or has not, explained the periodic system. The book is written in a lively style to appeal to experts and interested lay-persons alike. The Periodic Table begins with an overview of the importance of the periodic table and of the elements and it examines the manner in which the term 'element' has been interpreted by chemists and philosophers. The book then turns to a systematic account of the early developments that led to the classification of the elements including the work of Lavoisier, Boyle and Dalton and Cannizzaro. The precursors to the periodic system, like Dobereiner and Gmelin, are discussed. In chapter 3 the discovery of the periodic system by six independent scientists is examined in detail. Two chapters are devoted to the discoveries of Mendeleev, the leading discoverer, including his predictions of new elements and his accommodation of already existing elements. Chapters 6 and 7 consider the impact of physics including the discoveries of radioactivity and isotopy and successive theories of the electron including Bohr's quantum theoretical approach. Chapter 8 discusses the response to the new physical theories by chemists such as Lewis and Bury who were able to draw on detailed chemical knowledge to correct some of the early electronic configurations published by Bohr and others. Chapter 9 provides a critical analysis of the extent to which modern quantum mechanics is, or is not, able to explain the periodic system from first principles. Finally, chapter 10 considers the way that the elements evolved following the Big Bang and in the interior of stars. The book closes with an examination of further chemical aspects including lesser known trends within the periodic system such as the knight's move relationship and secondary periodicity, as well at attempts to explain such trends.
Customer Reviews:
A book that honors "one of the most powerful icons in science".......2007-04-12
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"In spite of the central...role of the periodic table [of the elements], very few authors have felt drawn to write books on its evolution. There is no book that deals adequately with the historical, and especially the conceptual, aspects of the periodic system [that holds that there is a fundamental relationship among the elements] or its significance in chemistry and science generally. It is with the aim of injecting a more philosophical treatment to understanding the periodic system that [this book] has been undertaken...this book is not intended as a work of historical scholarship...the reader is [taken] on an interdisciplinary tour of the many areas of science that are connected with the periodic system, including physics, mathematics, computational methods, history and philosophy of science, and of course, chemistry."
The above is found in the introduction to this fascinating, extremely well researched book by Dr. Eric Scerri, a professor of chemistry and history & philosophy of science at UCLA. This book is fittingly dedicated to the 100TH anniversary of the death of Dimitri Mendeleev (1834 to 1907).
The periodic table of the elements--what is it? Simply, it is basically a two-dimensional representation of a periodic system (that is explained above). The aim of this book is to bring the story of the periodic table "up to date."
This book from my own personal perspective can roughly be divided into five parts:
(I) An overview of the periodic system. (1 chapter)
(II) The development of the periodic table. (4 chapters)
(III) The nucleus and the periodic table: radioactivity, atomic number (the number of protons contained in the nucleus of the atom of an element), and isotopy (isotopes are any of two or more forms of an element having the same number of protons but differing in the number of neutrons). (1 chapter)
(IV) Electronic explanations for the elements of the periodic table: physics versus chemistry. (3 chapters)
(V) Astrophysics, element formation, other chemical trends that defy neat explanations, and three fundamental questions regarding the periodic table. (1 chapter)
One of the key features of this book, as mentioned above, is that it is well researched. However, Scerri goes one step beyond mere information gathering. He actually questions the information he has found. Here are just three examples:
(1) "The notion that the periodic table was deduced from quantum theory by [physicist Niels] Bohr [as the historical record implies] is something of an exaggeration."
(2) "This, I submit, suggests remarkable foresight and intuition on the part of [chemical writer] Gmelin, as does the way in which he uses his system to ground the presentation of the chemistry of these elements. Yet Gmelin's contribution to the classification of the elements has not been sufficiently appreciated of chemistry, or even historians of the periodic system."
(3) Clearly [chemist Dimitri] Mendeleev was spectacularly successful in [his] predictions [of new elements] but perhaps not quite to the extent that is implied by the more selective tables of comparison that regularly appear in chemistry textbooks and even histories of chemistry."
Another feature of this book is the inclusion of the actual writings of key people involved in the development of the periodic table. I found all of these interesting.
Yet another feature is that it is jam-packed with charts, tables, diagrams, etc. so readers can see for themselves what is going on. Some of these tables, etc. are actual copies from historical documents. As well, there are black and white portraits of some of those who contributed to some aspect of the formation and understanding of the periodic table.
The majority of the chapters end with a conclusion that consolidates all the information in a particular chapter. I found these most helpful.
Finally, I feel that this book can be read by all who are interested in the periodic table. However, the author assumes some science background. Many terms are defined in the book's main narrative but many are not. Thus, it would have been helpful if an appendix explaining key terms was also included. As well, a glossary would have been most helpful. Of course, any difficulties can be resolved by referring to a good, standard dictionary or even a basic science dictionary (especially for part IV above).
In conclusion, there are elements of the periodic table that are named after admired others. Examples include Einsteinium and Mendelevium. Eric Scerri has written a comprehensive book that honors the periodic table. Perhaps when a new element is discovered it should be named "Scerrium."
(first published 2006; acknowledgements; introduction; 10 chapters; main narrative 285 pages; notes; index)
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Beautiful Patterns.......2007-01-05
Humans are exquisitely good at finding patterns. Sometimes those patterns turn out to be illusory, such as the constellations. Sometimes they turn out to be very real, such as the patterns illustrated by the periodic table of the elements. Eric Scerri, in his book The Periodic Table, has done an excellent job of presenting a "warts and all" history of the periodic table. Instead of presenting the "heroes only" version of the history of the periodic table [speaking of illusory patterns] found in most high school and college textbooks, he gives us a full historical view with all the players, big and small, and shows how even ideas that turned out to be wrong had a positive effect on getting us to the periodic table we use today. Although scientists may someday show that the periodic table ultimately reduces to quantum mechanics, Professor Scerri shows us why we can't say that with the level of certainty with which it is often presented in chemistry classes [the next time I find chemistry among my preps at the high school where I teach, I will be much better prepared to deal with the periodic table]. The interested lay reader should find the book quite accessible, but a knowledge of high school chemistry, especially in the later chapters where electron configurations are presented [idea for the paperback - include an appendix that covers some chemistry basics like electron configurations], will help. Knowledge of the terminology used in the study of philosophy will also help the reader. This book should be of interest to folks with an interest in the history and philosophy of science, even if they don't have a specific interest in chemistry and the periodic table, especially fans of Thomas Kuhn's The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. I strongly suggest that The Periodic Table become required reading for all high school chemistry teachers! John Emsley is still my favorite writer on chemical topics, but Eric Scerri moves to a place not far behind.
An instant classic.......2007-01-03
The Periodic Table is one of the most iconic symbols in our culture. Every person interested in the physical world in which we live will want to read this book. It is also a masterful history of the people involved in the establishment of the periodic law of chemistry. The gradual growth in awareness of the regularities of the elements is the main theme of this work. It is already a classic in its first year in print!
A brilliant achievement.......2006-12-28
Scerri's work is a rich and fascinating account of the history, development and current significance of the Periodic Table: if you have any interest in chemistry you should read it. In his book he describes how the Period System was discovered (giving due credit to Mendeleev, but also to many others who deserve their place in the history of discovery),showing how it was received by other chemists. The most interesting part for me is in the brilliant later chapters, where the role of the Periodic System in influencing Bohr's ideas on the atom, and the nature of the relationship between quantum theory and empirical evidence is presented as clearly as you will find anywhere. Chemistry emerges not (as Dirac once claimed) entirely reduced to physics, but as a still-developing science in which quantum mechanics plays an important but not yet wholly reductive role.
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Elements of Molecular Symmetry
Yngve Öhrn
Manufacturer: Wiley-Interscience
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ASIN: 0471363235 |
Book Description
A unique, much-needed introduction to molecular symmetry and group theory Elements of Molecular Symmetry takes the topic of group theory a step further than most books, presenting a quantum chemistry treatment useful for computational, quantum, physical, and inorganic chemists alike. Clearly explaining how general groups and group algebra describe molecules, Yngve Öhrn first develops the theory, then provides coverage not only for point groups, but also permutation groups, space groups, and Lie groups. With over three decades of teaching experience, Dr. Öhrn brings to the discussion unprecedented depth and clarity, incorporating rigorous topics at a level accessible to anyone with basic knowledge of calculus and algebra. This unique and timely book:
* Extends coverage to molecular orbital theory,
* Utilizes powerful examples to illustrate basic concepts
* Contains introductory material on space groups and continuous groups, including point-group character tables
* Provides a solid background for exploring the theoretical literature
Customer Reviews:
Super Book!.......2000-04-22
Ohrn is one of today's most respectable ab initio quantum chemists. In his newest book he precisely directs the reader from the rigorous mathematics of groups and group algebras to the application of simplifying problems in quantum chemistry. This book contains much more mathematics than any other book on this subject and is a must for anyone who cares to know the nuts and bolts of group theory as applied to chemistry. I highly recommend Yngve's book and know that most practitioners of quantum chemistry will benefit much more from this text than from any other watered-down and inadequate text on the subject such as that written by Cotton.
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Finite Element and Boundary Element Applications in Quantum Mechanics (Oxford Texts in Applied and Engineering Mathematics)
Ramdas Ram-Mohan
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
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ASIN: 0198525222 |
Book Description
This book introduces the finite element and boundary element methods (FEM and BEM) for applications to quantum mechanical systems. A discretization of the action integral with finite elements, followed by application of variational principles, brings a very general approach to the solution of Schroedinger's equation for physical systems in arbitrary geometries with complex mixed boundary conditions. The variational approach is a common thread through the book and is used for the improvement of solutions to spectroscopic accuracy, to adaptively improve finite element meshs, to develop a time-dependent theory, and also to generate the solution of large sparse matrix eigenvalue problems. A thorough introduction to BEM is given using the modelling of surface plasmons, quantum electron waveguides, and quantum scattering as illustrative examples. The book should be useful to graduate students and researchers in basic quantum theory, quantum semiconductor modeling, computational physics, mathematics and chemistry
Book Description
This new addition to the successful Oxford Chemistry Primers series provides a comprehensive survey of the structures, bonding, synthesis, and reactivity of the title molecules and includes clusters found in the elemental state as well as compounds. It is the first undergraduate text to include fullerenes C60. Also presented is a balanced introduction to the chemistry and structures of boranes, heterboranes, cubanes, adamantane-type clusters, Zintl ion, donor-acceptor clusters, and others. Terms commonly encountered in cluster chemistry are defined and polyhedral frameworks are described.
Customer Reviews:
Not the right author..........2001-09-22
This should have been an immensly interesting chapter in inorganic chemistry. But the author doesn't manage to deliver any overview, insight or 'mental discoveries' of new or old concepts. It becomes too much like listening to someone reading from a catalogue.
I appologice, this could have been written in a better way.
Book Description
This textbook introduces the molecular physics and quantum chemistry needed to understand the physical properties of molecules and their chemical bonds. It follows the authors' earlier textbook "The Physics of Atoms and Quanta" and presents both experimental and theoretical fundamentals for students in physics and physical and theoretical chemistry. The new edition treats new developments in areas such as high-resolution two-photon spectroscopy, ultrashort pulse spectroscopy, photoelectron spectroscopy. Particular emphasis is laid on the optical investigation of single molecules in condensed phase. Finally, the developing field of molecular electronics is presented, including electroluminescence and light-emitting diodes.
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Periodicity and the p-Block Elements (Oxford Chemistry Primers, 16)
Nicholas C. Norman
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
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ASIN: 0198557639 |
Book Description
The chemistry of the p-block elements is extremely diverse and is often viewed by students as a subject of daunting vastness. This text shows students that most, if not all, of the basic knowledge needed to master the subject can be made more manageable if a number of general principles are
understood. The text begins with an introduction to the electronic structures of atoms and shows how a general understanding of those structures is useful in comprehending why the periodic table has the form that it does. The periodic aspects of element properties such as ionization energies and
electronegativity are covered and are used to understand the diverse physical nature of p-block elements themselves. A survey of physical properties of p-block element compounds is also included, providing a basis for understanding the nature of the compounds which the p-block elements form between
themselves. The text concludes with an account of structural trends and of periodic trends in acidity and basicity. Throughout the text suitable examples are chosen to illustrate the concepts involved.
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Elements of Quantum Chemistry
Rudolf Zahradnik
Manufacturer: Springer
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ASIN: 0306310937 |
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- Fresh approach to teaching quantum mechanics
- Very good, but short
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Elements of Quantum Mechanics
Michael D. Fayer
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
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Similar Items:
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Quantum Mechanics (2 vol. set)
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Statistical Mechanics
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Chemical Kinetics and Dynamics (2nd Edition)
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Modern Quantum Mechanics (2nd Edition)
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Introduction to Modern Statistical Mechanics
ASIN: 0195141954 |
Book Description
Elements of Quantum Mechanics provides a solid grounding in the fundamentals of quantum theory and is designed for a first semester graduate or advanced undergraduate course in quantum mechanics for chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, and physics students. The text includes full development of quantum theory. It begins with the most basic concepts of quantum theory, assuming only that students have some familiarity with such ideas as the uncertainty principle and quantized energy levels. Fayer's accessible approach presents balanced coverage of various quantum theory formalisms, such as the Schrodinger representation, raising and lowering operator techniques, the matrix representation, and density matrix methods. He includes a more extensive consideration of time dependent problems than is usually found in an introductory graduate course. Throughout the book, sufficient mathematical detail and classical mechanics background are provided to enable students to follow the quantum mechanical developments and analysis of physical phenomena. Fayer provides many examples and problems with fully detailed analytical solutions. Creating a distinctive flavor throughout, Fayer has produced a challenging text with exercises designed to help students become fluent in the concepts and language of modern quantum theory, facilitating their future understanding of more specialized topics. The book concludes with a section containing problems for each chapter that amplify and expand the topics covered in the book. A complete and detailed solution manual is available.
Customer Reviews:
Fresh approach to teaching quantum mechanics.......2004-04-13
This excellent graduate level textbook offers an overview of
the basic concepts of quantum mechanics with just the right amount of material and mix of fundamental theory and practical applications.It contains a more comprehensive introduction compared with other books that focus solely on the Schroedinger picture. Operator techniques and the Dirac notation are introduced in a clear way which should be widely accessible to Chemistry Graduate students.Its time dependent viewpoint is very intuitive. It covers material, such as an introduction to
density matrices, that is essential for reading the modern
literature.The book further includes topics such as excitons and
wavepackets which are not usually covered in graduate classes.
Instructors can get an entire power point set of lectures for the course from the author which makes it a pleasure to teach from this book.
I highly recommend this text.
Very good, but short.......2002-12-19
This book has an excellent treatment of quantum mechanics, especially density matrices. This book lacks both the confusion and perhaps depth of a bigger book. It is definately for chemists, and ideal for spectroscopists like Fayer. Physicists will definately find better books by physicists.
I don't know if it's worth 72 for the amount covered.
Fayer also made up his own notation for operators, which gets a little obnoxious.
Customer Reviews:
Best small-volume "introduction" to wave mechanics!.......2002-03-12
Frank Bockhoff's Elements of Quantum Theory is the best small-volume "introduction" to wave mechanics for chemists (all scientists?) that I know of.
Some of its outstanding features are: answers to problems (a proven pedagogical device for the novice); a pointing out that Schroedinger's wave equation contains a first time derivative (and is therefore of the same form as the diffusion equation),whereas the classical wave equation contains a second time derivative, yet the latter served as the model for the former; an uncommonly detailed treatment of He; an excellent illustration and description of Euler's relation; the list goes on...
Oh, and a very illuminating discussion of the connections among linear operators, the Hamiltonian, psi and eigenvalue problems.
Most of the typical introductory topics are covered, but in atypical detail. Thank you for shedding light without mere wave-aways, and preventing a well-known physical principle from destructively interfering with learning! Hello group theory, spectroscopy, Heisenberg and Dirac mechanics!
A reprinting, please? Or maybe a third edition? Dover?
Wonder why more people don't refer to this book!.......1999-06-08
Very simple treatment of the quantum theory. Can be read like a novel
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The Periodic Table
