The Elements: A Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in the Universe

(Paperback)

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Description

The highly-anticipated paperback edition of THE ELEMENTS is finally available.

An eye-opening, original collection of gorgeous, never-before-seen photographic representations of the 118 elements in the periodic table.

The elements are what we, and everything around us, are made of. But how many elements has anyone actually seen in pure, uncombined form THE ELEMENTS provides this rare opportunity. Based on seven years of research and photography, the pictures in this book make up the most complete, and visually arresting, representation available to the naked eye of every atom in the universe. Organized in order of appearance on the periodic table, each element is represented by a spread that includes a stunning, full-page, full-colour photograph that most closely represents it in its purest form. For example, at -183 C, oxygen turns from a colourless gas to a beautiful pale blue liquid.

Also included are fascinating facts, figures, and stories of the elements as well as data on the properties of each, including atomic weight, density, melting and boiling point, valence, electronegativity, and the year and location in which it was discovered. Several additional photographs show each element in slightly altered forms or as used in various practical ways. The element's position on the periodic table is pinpointed on a mini rendering of the table and an illustrated scale of the element's boiling and/or melting points appears on each page along with a density scale that runs along the bottom.

Packed with interesting information, this combination of solid science and stunning artistic photographs is the perfect gift book for every sentient creature in the universe.

Includes a tear-out poster of Theodore Gray's iconic Photographic Periodic Table!

Reviews

"The Elements is a loving reimagination of the classic table."--Wired
"Gray's trademark dry wit and historical anecdotes bring even the most basic lumps to life."--Popular Science
"I don't know if this is the first coffee-table book paying lush photographic homage to the periodic table, but it is certainly the most gorgeous one I've seen."--John Tierney, The New York Times

Author Bio

Theodore Gray is the author of The Elements, Molecules, and Reactions, as well as Theodore Gray's Completely Mad Science. He is the creator of the bestselling iPad apps "Elements" and "Molecules," which have both been named "App of the Week" by Apple and was Director of "Disney Animated" (also honored by Apple as "iPad App of the Year"). Gray appeared on stage with Steve Jobs several times in his capacity as a software creator. He also co-founded Wolfram Research, Inc., makers of the widely-used software Mathematica and the Wolfram Alpha website. He lives in Urbana, Illinois.

Nick Mann is a photographer specializing in taking beautiful photos of inanimate objects on black backgrounds. His other work includes Molecules,, Reactions, and How Things Work. Originally of Urbana, IL, he lives in Champaign, IL and North Liberty, IA, where he is working towards a geology degree at Cornell College.