"Everything physical is made up of the elements and the infinite variety of molecules they form when they combine with each other. In [this book], Gray takes the next step in the grand story that began with the periodic table in his best-selling book The Elements ... Here, he explores ... the most interesting, essential, useful, and beautiful of the millions of chemical structures that make up every material in the world"--Amazon.com.

"Written by a seasoned teacher, speaker, and writer in the field of chemistry, this text provides a guidance on chemicals that make life possible and enrich the senses, as well as those that endanger it. It combines the science and history of certain molecules and deals with the chemistry of each substance in an interesting and easily understandable manner. Topics covered include substances found in air and water, food, hydrocarbons, acids and alkalis,...

Describes temperature and how it affects weather and humans.