The Disappearing Spoon
By Sam Kean
And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements. Little, Brown and Company, 2010.
Summary of The Disappearing Spoon book by Sam Kean
Intertwining scientific exploration with captivating tales of invention, danger, and revelation throughout history, and unmasking both the marvels and mysteries of chemical elements and how they have impacted the world.
Chapters in The Disappearing Spoon book summary
What do you get from this book? An enigmatic journey through the dangerous realm of scientific elements
Each element's tale of magic and mayhem hinges on its table position
Some elements like to steal electrons the way some scientists have attempted to steal credit for other people’s discoveries
Stars produce every element on Earth, including the troublesome ones
World War I proved a deadly, though inventive, time for Germany and its scientists
As nuclear research burgeoned, scientists hastened to construct weapons and uncover new elements
Even the smartest scientists can make errors when it comes to the periodic table
Hazardous elements can kill people when used improperly, whether it’s accidental or malicious
Chemicals can save lives as well as take them, depending on how they are used
Politics plays a surprising, and sometimes unfortunate, role in the periodic elements
Though many elements provide monetary value, studying them can cost a fortune
When science fails, the consequences are serious; but when it succeeds, it does so with a bang
The best ideas can come at the most unexpected times, which is why we need organizations to oversee scientific breakthroughs
Although the periodic table will likely always exist, nothing about it is written in stone
Summary of the key insights
Selected critiques in brief
Final word
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The Disappearing Spoon — Book Summary Snapshot
Who should read The Disappearing Spoon book
- chemistry teachers
- history buffs
- museum educators
- parents looking for educational books
- those fascinated by science-related content
About the author of The Disappearing Spoon
Sam Kean
Sam Kean is a bestselling author and science writer whose work has appeared in magazines and journals such as Psychology Today, Atlantic Monthly, and The Best American Science and Nature Writing, for which he served as editor. His books have been nominated for the Royal Society of London's book of the year, the PEN/E.O. Wilson award, and the AAAS/Subaru prize.
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