Review by Choice Review
Chemistry books tend to be rather tough recreational reading for anyone with little or no math and science background, and this makes the field less than attractive to the general reading public. Cobb and Fetterolf (both, Univ. of South Carolina at Aiken) have prepared a book that is not a chemistry textbook and does not have nearly enough mathematics for even an introductory work. However, it covers nearly all the subjects found in a chemistry textbook, and it does so in a well-written format that would not frighten the most avid science-phobe, with numerous examples from everyday life used to explain the most complicated concepts. With a little effort, readers can gain an excellent understanding of the field, especially if they can spare the time and effort to carry out the recommended experiments. The book includes a good discussion of safety in chemical experimentation and provides a list of the substances and solutions needed to carry out the experiments. Subjects range from fundamental discussion of atoms and molecules through very good explanations of the most complex chemical concepts, with consideration of subjects like the chemistry of household chemicals, rocks, and the human body. An excellent introduction to chemistry. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. General readers; lower- and upper-division undergraduates. P. R. Douville emeritus, Central Connecticut State University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Think of this as a chemistry education condensed into a single book: a lightning tour of the field for the uninitiated. What the work lacks in depth is made up for in breadth, covering all the material of a general chemistry course along with organic, inorganic and analytical chemistry and biochemistry; there's even a chapter on forensic chemistry. Cobb and Fetterolf, professors of chemistry at the University of South Carolina, avoid math and focus on real-world examples. They explain everything from flatulence (the chemical composition of intestinal gas) to pizza cheese (why mozzarella rather than, say, parmesan?). This may sound a lot like the dozens of introductory chemistry books on the market. But unlike most others, this book comes with a lab component (supplies not included). Every chapter is preceded by an experiment (some quite complicated) using household goods, though someone inexperienced in laboratory techniques may find the directions difficult to follow. The explanations of principles fly past, and Cobb and Fetterolf avoid oversimplifying the chemistry, which may leave some readers confused. Whether or not readers fully understand the principles of chemistry by the end of the book, they will at least have a better understanding of the world around them and enough everyday trivia to hold their own at a cocktail party. B&w illus. (Feb.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
