The Last Alchemist in Paris. Fascinating Stories from the World of Chemistry

Chemistry surrounds us everywhere: the entire history of humanity is the history of chemistry, chemical discoveries and disasters, inventions and scientific progress, the application of chemical knowledge for good and for evil, in peacetime and on the battlefield. In this book, Swedish scientist Lars Öström invites the reader to immerse themselves in the astonishing and captivating world of chemistry – from the reactions and elements that make up the periodic table of Mendeleev to monarchs, industrial spies, and great explorers of the past. What role did nail polish remover play in World War I? How are the history of hydrogen and the tragedy of the Hindenburg airship connected? And why does Agatha Christie owe her brilliant career to the chemical element bromine? In Lars Öström's narrative, the history of science is intricately intertwined with the fundamental chemical laws, the properties of elements, and the fascinating (and sometimes frightening) fates of people. "These are stories of adventures, successes and failures of ordinary and extraordinary people from all over the world, who deliberately encountered or accidentally collided with various chemical elements" (Lars Öström). The book was previously published in the series "Historical Interest" under the title "Chemistry Forever: On Pea Soup, the Dangers of Morning Coffee, and Mr. Marsh's Sample".