The elements An illustrated history of the periodic table

This new series, Ponderables, aims to introduce 100 breakthroughs that changed history. In an attractive, graphics-heavy format, each title describes events in either chemistry, mathematics, or astronomy from Making Glass in The Elements, to Boolean Algebra in Mathematics, to The Hubble Space Telescope in The Universe. Entries are organized chronologically from ancient discoveries to modern-day ones. Entries range from one paragraph to two pages in length and include color illustrations, charts, and photos. Sidebars cover smaller topics of interest, like the mercury thermometer or the decimal point. Each book concludes with 101, an appendix covering the basics of the topic at hand, which is a good overview of the subject for beginners. There is also an appendix of biographies of important scientists and people and a section called Imponderables, which are unresolved questions in the field, such as Does the periodic table run out?, Is there a pattern in the primes?, and How will the universe end? In spite of the technical topics, the writing is appropriate for middle-school students and above. Each book includes a two-sided pullout chart with a time line and chemical, mathematical, or astronomical information. The attractive layout makes the content very browsable. Each of the three titles in this series would work as a coffee-table book or a reference book or could pique the interest of a reader in learning more about science. These fun science titles encourage understanding and exploration.--O'Gorman, Jack Copyright 2010 Booklist

These graphically stunning, browsable volumes each list 100 breakthroughs in the relevant area (a volume on mathematics is also available). Each book jacket holds a detachable foldout time line, posing "Ponderable" questions alongside developments in culture, world events, and science and invention. Entries run from one-half page to two pages in length each, and each page offers at least two detailed color photos and illustrations. Jackson, who has authored more than 80 science books, writes here for high school readers and armchair scientists, with occasional forays into more technical essays on subjects such as chemical bonding and the measurement of the earth by Eratosthenes. Elements discusses specific elements and the creation of the periodic table, but has a broad focus, also discussing, for example, how alloys helped advance civilization, the contributions of Niels Bohr, and the Higgs boson particle. Universe begins by pondering ancient stone monuments and moves through Pluto's demotion from planet status and an exploration of the surface of Mars. Although women are not prominently mentioned, sometimes their unrecognized contributions are pointed out (for example, the title covers Rosalind Franklin and Photo 51). The back matter in these titles, which provides a summary of the topic, approximately 40 brief biographies, and further-reading suggestions, will aid academic readers. Both books have minor proofreading errors, but nothing that detracts from their beauty and readability. VERDICT These books feature gorgeous layouts and short, intelligent paragraphs. Their best audience is science-minded individuals who are interested in the discoveries and development of thought, but who don't need to research a specific topic.-Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley Sch., Fort Worth, TX (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.