"It is the function of science to discover the existence of a general reign of order in nature and to find the causes governing this order. And this refers in equal measure to the relations of man - social and political - and to the entire universe as a whole."
-Dmitri Mendeléev (1834-1907)

All matter in the universe - including our own bodies - is made of a relatively small number of basic ingredients known as elements. From the lead used in Ancient Roman plumbing to the hydrogen that powers the stars, elements make up everything there is and has ever been.

The Periodic Table of the chemical elements is one of the iconic achievements of recent times. This book tells its story, revealing how humankind has struggled to understand the nature and composition of matter. It traces a journey of experiment and discovery, from the dawn of science to the space age, revealing the elements and the individuals who recognized, named, and classified them.

Topics include:
• exploring the nature of matter
• defining and discovering the elements
• atomic structure and the elements
• finding and understanding periodicity
• building the Periodic Table
• the search for more elements

Beautifully illustrated throughout