Napoleon's Buttons is the fascinating account of seventeen groups of molecules that have greatly influenced the course of history. These molecules provided the impetus for early exploration, and made possible the voyages of discovery that ensued. The molecules resulted in grand feats of engineering and spurred advances in medicine and law; they determined what we now eat, drink, and wear. A change as small as the position of an atom can lead to enormous alterations in the properties of a substance—which, in turn, can result in great historical shifts. With lively prose and an eye for colorful and unusual details, Penny Le Couteur and Jay Burreson offer a novel way to understand the shaping of civilization and the workings of our contemporary world.
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"Pretty damn decent account of the role of chemistry in various historical events and eras. Written by two chemists; doesn't butcher any of the science, only simplifies. Sweeping claims about the role of any given substance in a particular event are avoided unless really warranted. Slight political tilt in writing (mainstream left-wing) but nothing too overbearing or questionable."
— Muhammad (4 out of 5 stars)
“The authors diagram the formula and shape of each, from the polymer behind the sheen in silk to the ionic bonds in the taste of salt. Well-conceived, well-done popular science.”
— BooklistWell-conceived, well-done popular science.
— Booklist" A book of pure chemistry. I suggest not trying to read this book like a novel. instead, skip back and forth throughout the book to find the gist of each chapter. :) good luck throughly reading this book. "
— Nancy, 2/19/2014" amazing - a book on chemistry that is easy to read and very entertaining - who knew? "
— Tyra, 2/16/2014" This book was enjoyable to read through for both my husband and me. It's an easy read and fun for later conversation pieces. "
— Olivia, 2/8/2014" An excellent book. History linked to chemistry... amazing!! I have so many ideas on how to use this in my classroom!! "
— Heidi, 1/24/2014" This book is perfect for any history/science buffs in your life. I don't think you need to be a chemistry major to enjoy this book, but an interest in science would certainly help. The history here is fascinating, and the scientific connections are well explained with Penny's great diagrams. I'll keep this one on my bookshelf for some quality re-reading. "
— Jesse, 1/23/2014" This book is an interesting take on the impact science has had on history. It covers things that are rarely if ever mentioned in your normal history classes and for the nerd there's plenty of chemistry and science to keep you occupied. "
— Aaron, 1/11/2014" Truly brilliant analysis of the importance of organic chemicals to everyday life. Accessible but the first half goes by much more quickly than the second. "
— Christopher, 1/7/2014" Very interesting. History from a very different perspective. "
— Peter, 12/31/2013" Fantastic overview from both a historical and scientific perspective "
— Robert, 12/30/2013" Excellent book-I'm not a nonfiction reader but I found the material for this one quite interesting. There's a lot of science but the historical background intermingled with organic chemistry is a good blend for anyone who likes those subjects. "
— Neesha, 12/11/2013" Interesting read, especially if you like chemistry. Story and diagrams of the formulas. Yea. "
— Nina, 11/23/2013Penny Le Couteur, PhD, has taught chemistry at Capilano College in British Columbia, Canada, for more than thirty years. She is also a past winner of the Polysar Award for outstanding chemistry teaching in Canadian colleges.
Jay Burreson, PhD, has worked as an industrial chemist and held a National Institutes of Health special fellowship for research on chemical compounds in marine life. He is also the general manager of a high-tech company.
Laural Merlington is an audiobook narrator with over two hundred titles to her credit and a winner of multiple Earphones Awards. An Audie Award nominee, she has also directed over one hundred audiobooks. She has performed and directed for thirty years in theaters throughout the country. In addition to her extensive theater and voice-over work, she teaches college in her home state of Michigan.