Molecular Modelling: Principles and Applications (2nd Edition)

Customer Reviews:

clear narrative of concepts.......2006-12-25

Leach explains how to do serious molecular modelling. Naturally, this has to be done by computer simulations. The text is a blend of the physical principles and equations needed, and how to implement as code. For example, there is the Lennard-Jones potential for intermolecular attraction. But modelling using this often also involves a cutoff. The problem with the latter is that it can create discontinuities in both the potential and the force [which is the derivate of the former]. You can shown how to suitably modify matters to avoid these complications.

Another familiar potential is the Morse potential, used to model bond stretching. Empirical but very useful, and in general quite adequate for most simulations.

The text even has an example of modelling a high temperature superconductor. Partly to enhance the relevance of the narrative for practical applications.

Comprehensive and self-contained.......2005-07-01

In this book, Andrew Leach has done a great job in putting in almost every important concept, sundry as well as significant, from the field of computational chemistry and molecular modeling. From basic but very useful concepts like atom types, Z matrices, and force field parametrization, to advanced topics like Ewald Sums and Low Mode Monte Carlo conformational searching, Leach gives due importance to everything. The discussions on quantum mechanics in the first few chapters are moderate on the mathematics without shying away from it, and provide just the right amount of detail. Later chapters cover the whole gamut of computational techniques, from Molecular Dynamics and Molecular Mechanics, to Moelcular Similarity and QSAR. Examples that are relevant in chemistry and biology are scattered throughout the book and illustrate every key idea. There are many good books for Computational Chemistry and Molecular Modeling, and some are good for a few topics, others for other ones. However, if one wants to get a grip on ALL important topics in the area, I think this is the most comprehensive reference that one can look up.

An excellent overview.......2004-06-04

Good:
This book gives an excellent overview of molecular simulation techniques starting with quantum mechanics ab initio type calculations and going up through molecular dynamics and polymer simulation. It gives a good step up from your standard physical chemistry text (such as Atkins or Chang) to being able to read the literature on modern molecular modelling techniques.

Bad:
The treatment of many methods is somewhat superficial.
The book was first written in 1996 and updated in 2000 - it is starting to get a bit out of date.

Overall I would recommend this as a solid introduction and reference.

The bible.......2003-02-12

If you could choose only one book about molecular modelling - this should be it. Everything is covered, more or less thourough, from ab initio to molecular docking, algorithms, force fields, molecular dynamics, etc. It is well written, but also works well if you want to look up single key words. The book can be read by novices to molecular modelling as well as it is useful for experts. I can highly recommend it.

Review by a molecular tyro.......2002-11-20

I'd like to recommend this book from the perspective of someone who is new to the field. I have only an informal background in chemistry and biology and an undergraduate physics degree that's 20 years old. Mr. Leach works through a broad range of material, from numeric solutions to the quantum equations for a molecule to algorithms for searching through the conformational space. His descriptions have to be concise in order to fit the enormous volume of material he has to cover, yet I found that I had no trouble following along. He often takes a historical approach. I found this effective. I would find myself wandering down blind alleys when examining the early solutions, then read the later art and have a greater appreciation for the problem than if the ultimate answer were presented first. I have been able to use much of the book as a practical guide in my work.

Frankly, I'm amazed that someone with a professional life can find the time to put together a book of this scope.

Average customer rating:

Revolutionary read!

I strongly recommend this book

20th Century Schizoid Man...

The study of DMT must continue

Increadible Read

DMT: The Spirit Molecule: A Doctor's Revolutionary Research into the Biology of Near-Death and Mystical Experiences
Rick Strassman MD
Manufacturer: Park Street Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Psychopharmacology | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Near-Death Experiences | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Health Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Look Inside Religion & Spirituality Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Food of the Gods: The Search for the Original Tree of Knowledge A Radical History of Plants, Drugs, and Human Evolution

Breaking Open the Head: A Psychedelic Journey into the Heart of Contemporary Shamanism

2012: The Return of Quetzalcoatl

The Invisible Landscape: Mind, Hallucinogens, and the I Ching

Pihkal: A Chemical Love Story

ASIN: 0892819278
Release Date: 2000-12-01

Book Description

A clinical psychiatrist explores the effects of DMT, one of the most powerful psychedelics known.

• A behind-the-scenes look at the cutting edge of psychedelic research.

• Provides a unique scientific explanation for the phenomenon of alien abduction experiences.

From 1990 to 1995 Dr. Rick Strassman conducted U.S. Government-approved and funded clinical research at the University of New Mexico in which he injected sixty volunteers with DMT, one of the most powerful psychedelics known. His detailed account of those sessions is an extraordinarily riveting inquiry into the nature of the human mind and the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. DMT, a plant-derived chemical found in the psychedelic Amazon brew, ayahuasca, is also manufactured by the human brain. In Strassman's volunteers, it consistently produced near-death and mystical experiences. Many reported convincing encounters with intelligent nonhuman presences, aliens, angels, and spirits. Nearly all felt that the sessions were among the most profound experiences of their lives.

Strassman's research connects DMT with the pineal gland, considered by Hindus to be the site of the seventh chakra and by Rene Descartes to be the seat of the soul. DMT: The Spirit Molecule makes the bold case that DMT, naturally released by the pineal gland, facilitates the soul's movement in and out of the body and is an integral part of the birth and death experiences, as well as the highest states of meditation and even sexual transcendence. Strassman also believes that "alien abduction experiences" are brought on by accidental releases of DMT. If used wisely, DMT could trigger a period of remarkable progress in the scientific exploration of the most mystical regions of the human mind and soul.

Customer Reviews:

Revolutionary read!.......2007-08-30

A must for anyone who is interested in mystical experiences and the human mind and spirit.

I strongly recommend this book.......2007-08-23

I liked the fact the author writes about the whole experience - positive and negative parts. It is important to hear about all of the experiences not only from the jovial side of it. Eventhough he conducted the experiment, he manages to stay objective in his writing.
The experiences sound amazing. Unfortunately not everybody is able to accept certain truths, this is why he carefully chose the participants. It's a shame he stopped his researches in that direction, eventhough I perfectly understand him. I would be discouraged faster than him.

20th Century Schizoid Man..........2007-08-21

Dr Strassman has indeed taken a giant step forward for mankind with his research. The psychedelic experience seems at once necessary and enlightening for the human race. Perhaps if everyone could experience an outer dimensional "trip" such as described in this book, we could put an end to the modern ethos of hatred and violence that surrounds us.
Researchers as opened minded as this are rare and deserve our support. If you are at all interested in the exploration of inner space, buy Dr Strassman's book - it's a modern day equivalent to the moon landing (if it ever really happened...)

The study of DMT must continue.......2007-07-22

The fact of the matter is, in the troubling world we find ourselves in - good news is very hard to come by. It is research such as this that becomes the candle in the dark, the light at the end of the dark tunnel we all traverse.
Rick Strassman's research is not only revolutionary, but it shows that science, unequivocally, must never leave spirituality at the front door - since spirituality may be far more scientific than we previously had thought. Without a doubt in my mind, this book has proven such a thing.

Yet, there are still many more questions that need to be answered. The ultimate being - are these experiences, creatures and invisible landscapes REAL? Are they more real than "channel normal"? The exciting thing about these questions is that they may be answered in our lifetime, IF the study of DMT is continued.

From what I understand, Rick Strassman's website speaks of a DMT Documentary that is currently in the making. I sincerely hope that this Documentary, upon release, arouses the curiosity of mainstream science and the general population.

Do I recommend this book? The answer is 100% YES. If you are not aware of the information within this book, you are intellectually naked.

With ever-increasing scientific knowledge, this generation as we know it could very well be catching up to what the mystics have been saying for aeons.

Increadible Read.......2007-07-14

This book is incredible. IT sheds light on research done on psychedelics and goes into the history of psychedelic research. Very Interesting. A lot of interesting and mind expanding ideas and theories within.

Understanding Molecular Simulation (Computational Science Series, Vol 1)

Average customer rating:

great book for MD basics
Old fashioned fortran, strong bias on Monte Carlo
Excellent text for beginners in simulation
Perfect for New Grad Students
A nice disappointment

Understanding Molecular Simulation (Computational Science Series, Vol 1)
Daan Frenkel , and B. Smit
Manufacturer: Academic Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Computer Science | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

Modeling & Simulation | Computer Science | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books

Mathematical Physics | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books

Quantum Theory | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books

Molecular Chemistry | Chemistry | Science | Subjects | Books

Biotechnology | Special Topics | Medicine | Subjects | Books

General | Engineering | New & Used Textbooks | Stores | Books

All Amazon Upgrade | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Computers & Internet | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Engineering | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Medicine | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Professional & Technical | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Science | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Computers & Internet | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Medicine | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Professional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Science | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0122673514

Book Description

Understanding Molecular Simulation: From Algorithms to Applications explains the physics behind the "recipes" of molecular simulation for materials science. Computer simulators are continuously confronted with questions concerning the choice of a particular technique for a given application. A wide variety of tools exist, so the choice of technique requires a good understanding of the basic principles. More importantly, such understanding may greatly improve the efficiency of a simulation program. The implementation of simulation methods is illustrated in pseudocodes and their practical use in the case studies used in the text.

Since the first edition only five years ago, the simulation world has changed significantly -- current techniques have matured and new ones have appeared. This new edition deals with these new developments; in particular, there are sections on:

· Transition path sampling and diffusive barrier crossing to simulaterare events
· Dissipative particle dynamic as a course-grained simulation technique
· Novel schemes to compute the long-ranged forces
· Hamiltonian and non-Hamiltonian dynamics in the context constant-temperature and constant-pressure molecular dynamics simulations
· Multiple-time step algorithms as an alternative for constraints
· Defects in solids
· The pruned-enriched Rosenbluth sampling, recoil-growth, and concerted rotations for complex molecules
· Parallel tempering for glassy Hamiltonians

Examples are included that highlight current applications and the codes of case studies are available on the World Wide Web. Several new examples have been added since the first edition to illustrate recent applications. Questions are included in this new edition. No prior knowledge of computer simulation is assumed.

Customer Reviews:

great book for MD basics.......2007-05-07

I was especially delighted about the Monte Carlo methods and the free energy calculation techniques.

Old fashioned fortran, strong bias on Monte Carlo.......2006-06-19

There is a very strong bias to MC methods in the book. What they have to say about Molecular Dynamics methods is not really new, most of it is virtually copied from the classic by Allan/Tildesley, and many MD techniques which they consider "advanced" (such as cell list methods, verlet tables, etc.) are shifted to one of the many appendices. They do not talk about ghostparticles for instance or give a detailed account of parallelized algorithms which is really state-of-the art today.
The code examples for download for the exercises, contain subtle errors, are not optimized for performance (which is THE most important thing in simulation business) and worst of all, are written in Fortran. The fact that they publish Fortran code must reflect the fact that at the time they learned how to program a computer there was no C, C++, JAVA, etc. and no object orientation in sight. Nowadays, probably no expert in programming would start a scientific and readable code in fortran. Also their definition of an algorithm is simply technically wrong. The authors are very sloppy here, have obviously no training in theoretical computer science and are obviously no experts for writing optimal code.
Scientifically, as far as physics is concerned, the book is sound, they give good arguments pro and against certain methods, but when you have already worked with Allan/Tildesley or Rappaport for many years you have the eery impression that they simply repeat many arguments from these books or from other research articles (They keep citing Allan/Tildesley a lot) Those things that are not more or less copied from other sources seems to reflect their own experience in this field which seems to be strongly limited to MC methods.
Although this book is sometimes praised I cannot really recommend it. Allan/Tildesley, and in particular the book by Rappaport are superior in stlye and in particluar as code examples are concerned. With Rappaport you get working code right away in proper C (albeit in Fortran-Style C -- again, the reason for this being the fact, that all these authors of Simulation books learned programming probably in the late 70's when Fortran was state-of-the-art). I nevertheless would recommend Rappaports book instead. The authors even offer scientific workshops based on their book (and probably make a lot of money with that). One can only hope that those are better than the coding examples of the exercises. Therefore only 2 stars.

Excellent text for beginners in simulation.......2004-11-20

Its an excellent book for those who are just beginners in MC & MD simulations. everything is very clearly explained with lot of examples and some related unsolved problems. the text explores this topic indetails with advanced chapters in later sections. Good for anybody int hsi field be it in materials science, physics or related fields.

Perfect for New Grad Students.......2002-11-24

This book is how I bootstrapped my way into being a molecular simulationist. Anyone who can program in some language can get started writing simple routines for the basic MD and MC simulations.

I do Monte Carlo simulations at Princeton, and found this book to be the most helpful available for getting my research started. It is my most common reference, and is used extensively in writing background information for various research documents.

However, after you have written your first few codes, you will pass the level of this book and need to move on. I use it less now than I did my first year.

Every student in my group (Panagiotopoulos) has this book I think. And like me, they started with it, but moved on.

A nice disappointment.......2001-08-30

The title of the book is overly ambitious and falls short on its promises. The book is a good introduction to Molecular Mechanics (MM), Molecular Dynamics (MD) and Monte Carlo (MC) methods, with detailed descriptions of the methods used and FORTRAN (pseudo)code, covering from the basics to some middle-level and some advanced algorithms.
But it does NOT cover all the fields of Molecular Modelling, just the three mentioned (MM, MD and MC), there's no coverage of quantum mechanics methods, nor QSAR or other technologies. And, while it described the algorithms, I can't think of it going all the way through up to building applications. For this, Rapaport's makes a better job, and for a general intro to Molecular Modelling, Grant & Richards' Computational Chemistry is more comprehensive (albeit at a more superficial level). Nor does it provide much detail on the methods used in modelling biological macromolecules, an increasing application field for the methods discussed in the book.
All in all, this book fails to satisfy its cover title, it won't introduce to the whole field (just the areas of MM, MD and MC) nor does it go up to application level. But it IS a REAL GOOD introduction to the subjects covered and their basic algorithms,
with sample code, detailed descriptions and plenty of references to specialized articles, texts and resources.

Molecules Of Emotion: The Science Behind Mind-Body Medicine

Average customer rating:

Amazing story ....
A Must Read for Anyone Interested in Health
Molecules of Emotion from Lucy's Standpoing
A very important book
Molecules of Emotion Review

Molecules Of Emotion: The Science Behind Mind-Body Medicine
Candace B. Pert
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Alternative Medicine | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Neuropsychology | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Emotions | Mental Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Mental Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | History & Philosophy | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Alternative & Holistic | Medicine | Subjects | Books

Accessories:

ASIN: 0684846349

Book Description

Why do we feel the way we feel? How do our thoughts and emotions affect our health? Are our bodies and minds distinct from each other or do they function together as parts of an interconnected system?

In her groundbreaking book Molecules of Emotion, Candace Pert provides startling and decisive answers to these and other challenging questions that scientists and philosophers have pondered for centuries.

Her pioneering research on how the chemicals inside our bodies form a dynamic information network, linking mind and body, is not only provocative, it is revolutionary. By establishing the biomolecular basis for our emotions and explaining these new scientific developments in a clear and accessible way, Pert empowers us to understand ourselves, our feelings, and the connection between our minds and our bodies -- body-minds -- in ways we could never possibly have imagined before.

Molecules of Emotion is a landmark work, full of insight and wisdom and possessing that rare power to change the way we see the world and ourselves.

Customer Reviews:

Amazing story ...........2007-09-27

I really enjoyed this book. I know other women PhD'ers so I was not put off by Dr. Pert's style of writing and confidence. My husband, on the other hand was and put it down after only a few pages. I was amazed and enthralled by her story and life. I think the book would appeal to women more than men. She was after all, at the forefront of the women's movement and what courage it must have taken to enter into the field of science research--the big boy domain! Even though the book was published in the late 1990's and much of what she discovered has been in the public domain by now--it is still a very good book to read and one of those larger than life bio's.

A Must Read for Anyone Interested in Health.......2007-08-16

I absolutely loved this book. A great book to read in conjunction with Molecules of Emotion is Feelings Buried Alive Never Die becasue Molecules of Emotion is the science behind Feelings Buried Alive Never Die. I think both books are a must read for anyone who wants more out of life and does not want to waste time being duped by the American Health Industry.

Molecules of Emotion from Lucy's Standpoing.......2007-07-30

I purchased this on the recommendation of a friend. I have always been such a skeptic about Chakra's but remain open to new ideas including this. I haven't been home enough to read the book as much as I would like to but expect that it will make good evening reading as the days grow shorter. When I have read it takes a while for the material to sink in and I find I need to ponder each concept some before moving on.

A very important book.......2007-07-24

Candace B. Pert gives a fascinating account of her research and her findings on how mind and body interact. I read this book before I read ORDINARY MIND: EXPLORING THE COMMON GROUND OF ZEN AND PSYCHOANALYSIS, by Barry Magid, and WHAT THE BLEEP DO WE KNOW, by William Arntz, Betsy Chasse and Mark Vicente. These latter two books throw more light on the chemistry behind what goes on inside our minds and bodies. All of these books provide helpful tools in understanding ourselves and others.

Molecules of Emotion Review.......2007-05-17

The title of this book may lead one to believe that it is a text book. However, although it does contain science that is easily understood by the non-scientist, it is autobiographical. Candace Pert tells of her journey in the world of male-dominated science. I would recommend it for any young woman starting out in science.

The Raman Effect: A Unified Treatment of the Theory of Raman Scattering by Molecules

Average customer rating:

The Raman Effect: A Unified Treatment of the Theory of Raman Scattering by Molecules
Derek A. Long
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Analytic | Chemistry | Science | Subjects | Books

General & Reference | Chemistry | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Microscopes & Microsocopy | Experiments, Instruments & Measurement | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Statics | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Professional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Science | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0471490288

Book Description

Presents a unified theoretical treatment, which is complete and rigorous but nonetheless readable. The theoretical treatment requires a variety of mathematical and physical tools. To keep the main text uncluttered, these tools are developed in comprehensive Appendices to which cross-references are made in the main text. These Appendices also ensure that the main text is useful to readers with a wide variety of scientific backgrounds and experience. These include not only spectroscopists, but also chemists, physicists, biochemists and analytical chemists. The presentation is such that postgraduate and postdoctoral students as well as more established research workers will find it valuable.

About the Author
The author was formerly Professor of Structural Chemistry and Director of the Molecular Spectroscopy unit in the University of Bradford. He is distinguished for his original scientific work in a number of areas of Raman spectroscopy. His book, 'Raman Spectroscopy', published in 1978 and long out of print, was highly successful. He has been co-editor of many books including the Specialist Reports on Molecular Spectroscopy, published by the Royal Society of Chemistry; he retired as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Raman Spectroscopy in December 1999.

Book Description

An extensively revised and updated one-volume encyclopedia of chemicals, drugs, and biologicals that contains more than 10,000 monographs.

Customer Reviews:

There is a major bug with the CD software........2007-01-11

The problem can be resolved by thier "stupid" customer service people, if you can somehow convince them that you have the correct CD. The Merck software is excellent, and the Cambridgesoft software running it is terrible, I feel sorry for Merck. It wouldn't run properly on my machine, I had to go back and forth over 4 days to resolve this issue with their outsourced (to India) technical staff via email. Apparently if you have a previous version of Merck installed with Cambridgesoft software on your XP, then you will need to perform some surgery on your Registry, and then install an update into certain files locaed on the C drive.

Once you get it working, it should be fine.

No doubt however that the TEXT Merck Index is EXCELLENT.

Great Reference - BEWARE MISSING PAGES.......2006-12-06

This is an indispensable reference book. I use it daily. I recently upgraded to this most recent version. I have had it about 3 weeks. I went to look up quinine today and couldn't find the Q's. Then I had a brief moment of disbelief and I recited the alphabet to myself to make sure I wasn't missing something. Then, I noticed my copy skipped from page 1376 to page 1425! Fortunately I can still exchange the book, but beware....count your pages when you get this book.

Otherwise, great book. And the included CD-ROM provides a little extra searching power. I would prefer that the CD interface and printouts were a little cleaner.

MERCK'S REVELATIONS.......2002-12-29

This edition of "The Merck Index: An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, & Biologicals" shows remarkable improvement over its predecessor.
Boasting of diverse groups of chemicals and pharmaceuticals, it is a success in its own right. There are just plenty to be explored! The book brims with accurate up-to-date information. Pharmacists, Medics, Chemists, Biologists, Physicists, Agriculturists, and many other professionals who work with elements, compounds and mixtures will find this book very useful. It is revised, and is complemented with detailed descriptions, which include molecular formulae, molecular weights, as well as the percentage compositions of constituent chemicals in a compound or mixture.
It is a valuable reference tool.

Excellent chemical reference!.......2002-12-16

This book must be the most organized reference book I have ever used. Its so fulfilling to be able to find exactly what you're looking for when you need it. Includes a common name index, chemical formula index, as well as registry numbers, therapeutic categories for drugs, useful tables, and organic chemical equations. highly recommended!

don't like it.......2001-12-05

personally, I think that this index has the most innacurate information available. It never has what most people need and it's too hard to use.

Average customer rating:

Bio: Old but Good

Human Aging: Biological Perspectives
Augustine G. Digiovanna
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Science/Engineering/Math
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Anatomy | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Medicine | Subjects | Books

Reproduction | Reproductive & Sexual | Medicine | Subjects | Books

Geriatrics | Specialties | Medicine | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Medicine | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Nonfiction | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Professional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Science | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0072926910

Book Description

With the growing size of the elderly population comes an increased interest in aging as a subject of research and study. Human Aging: Biological Perspectives is written for the one-quarter or one-semester introductory level course and is aimed at students with little or no science background. The main structure of the text follows a body systems approach. In addition to the introductory chapter and a chapter covering molecules, cells, and the theories of aging, each body system is covered in its own chapter.

Customer Reviews:

Bio: Old but Good.......2006-08-20

I am a little surprised that my instructor used this book seeing as it is about 4 editions old. Other than that it is a good book.

Oxygen: The Molecule that Made the World (Popular Science)

Average customer rating:

The best book of it kind?
Another great book by Lane
Excellence in science writing
Wonderful
Oxygen - What a brilliant read

Oxygen: The Molecule that Made the World (Popular Science)
Nick Lane
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Biochemistry | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General & Reference | Chemistry | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Evolution | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Science Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0198607830

Book Description

Oxygen has had extraordinary effects on life. Three hundred million years ago, in Carboniferous times, dragonflies grew as big as seagulls, with wingspans of nearly a metre. Researchers claim they could have flown only if the air had contained more oxygen than today - probably as much as 35 per cent. Giant spiders, tree-ferns, marine rock formations and fossil charcoals all tell the same story. High oxygen levels may also explain the global firestorm that contributed to the demise of the dinosaurs after the asteroid impact. The strange and profound effects that oxygen has had on the evolution of life pose a riddle, which this book sets out to answer. Oxygen is a toxic gas. Divers breathing pure oxygen at depth suffer from convulsions and lung injury. Fruit flies raised at twice normal atmospheric levels of oxygen live half as long as their siblings. Reactive forms of oxygen, known as free radicals, are thought to cause ageing in people. Yet if atmospheric oxygen reached 35 per cent in the Carboniferous, why did it promote exuberant growth, instead of rapid ageing and death? Oxygen takes the reader on an enthralling journey, as gripping as a thriller, as it unravels the unexpected ways in which oxygen spurred the evolution of life and death. The book explains far more than the size of ancient insects: it shows how oxygen underpins the origin of biological complexity, the birth of photosynthesis, the sudden evolution of animals, the need for two sexes, the accelerated ageing of cloned animals like Dolly the sheep, and the surprisingly long lives of bats and birds. Drawing on this grand evolutionary canvas, Oxygen offers fresh perspectives on our own lives and deaths, explaining modern killer diseases, why we age, and what we can do about it. Advancing revelatory new ideas, following chains of evidence, the book ranges through many disciplines, from environmental sciences to molecular medicine. The result is a captivating vision of contemporary science and a humane synthesis of our place in nature. This remarkable book will redefine the way we think about the world.

Customer Reviews:

The best book of it kind?.......2007-08-06

This is the only really good book I've read about the evolution, history and chemistry of life. It's especially good when it is least philosophical. As when pondering over the likely order of ways to handle elemental oxygen - as it (or it's relatives peroxide or superoxide) most probably had to be handlet even before it was produced by plants. - And here are no tiresome stories about geologists having to travel around. It's on topic and well written.

Another great book by Lane.......2007-05-12

Although not quite as pulled together as "Power, Sex, Suicide", this is a wonderful account of modern biochemistry. There are fresh ideas on nearly every page and his writing is amazingly clear. I realized halfway through that there are very few diagrams in the text, yet I felt like I didn't need any; a rarity for any science book.

It may be a little tough going if you haven't had some chemistry/biology background, but it seems like it would be accessible to most readers with a undergrad science background.

Excellence in science writing.......2007-01-16

This is an outstanding book I recommend to anyone interested in undestanding how modern science is advancing its world view. The book connects seemingly disparate topics ranging from the origin of life, ageing and other day-to-day concerns with one another via the web of evolution. A relaxing yet illuminating read

Wonderful.......2006-12-25

I am an organic chemist, and as such have a deep and intimate knowledge of the subject. I can honestly say that this is one of the best written science books out there. Nick Lane is a wonderful writer for an academic. The book is well researched and engaging.

If you are interested in the evolution of life and the beginnings of our planet, you should read this book.

Oxygen - What a brilliant read.......2006-11-11

Having purchased this book in the hope of adding to my medical i was sure surprised when i finished the first chapter of the book. A truly capativating read, adding so much more detail to what i have learnt in university.

Molecular Spectra and Molecular Structure: Infrared and Raman of Polyatomic Molecules

Average customer rating:

Molecular Spectra and Molecular Structure: Infrared and Raman of Polyatomic Molecules
Gerhard Herzberg
Manufacturer: Krieger Pub Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General & Reference | Chemistry | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Science Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0894642693

Book Description

This present volume represents the continuation of a series on Molecular Spectra and Molecular Structure. Illustrations have been included to make the reader visualize clearly the significance and meaning of results of the theory. A large number of tables have also been included in which theoretical results are summarized, or observed data collected, for the benefit of those carrying out research work in the field of infrared and Raman spectra or related fields.

Transition Metals in the Synthesis of Complex Organic Molecules

Average customer rating:

An excellent textbook for chemists & graduated students
A great book
Definitely an excellent resource

Transition Metals in the Synthesis of Complex Organic Molecules
Louis S. Hegedus
Manufacturer: University Science Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Crystallography | Chemistry | Science | Subjects | Books

General & Reference | Chemistry | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Science Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Professional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Science | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1891389041

Book Description

Written for organic chemists, this all-new second edition offers an easy entry into the field of organotransition metal chemistry without requiring a background in inorganic chemistry. The book first covers the basics of transition metal chemistry and gives a practical introduction to the mechanisms by which organometallic reactions occur. The organic chemistry of transition metals is then presented by class of metal complex, with many examples of applications in the synthesis of natural products, pharmaceuticals, polymers, and materials. Ideal for advanced undergraduate and graduate students as well as all practicing synthetic organic chemists.

Customer Reviews:

An excellent textbook for chemists & graduated students.......2000-11-05

The growth of organometallics is amazing, so we want a systematic book to introduce the developments, and this one is very suitable. Hegedus introduced many new synthetic technology in this book, and they are very useful for chemists research work.

A great book.......2000-05-10

Hegedus has blended theory perfectly with synthetic utility of transition metals. The second addition has a lot more updated, state-of-art examples in synthesis.

Definitely an excellent resource.......2000-05-10

Hegedus does an excellent job of outlining the broad field of organometallic chemistry. He covers a vast range of topics, providing the reader with a strong background in the subject area. He utilizes current literature examples to demonstrate the use and importance of the topics presented. Overall, this is a very well written book, and a great reference.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books