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Rating: 
Summary: The Philosophy, Artistry, and Humanity of Chemistry
Review: (8 out of 10)Roald Hoffman has several objectives in this book: to lift chemistry from zealous physical reductionism, to show the artistic side of chemistry, to show the humanity of chemistry, and -of course, throughout- to present chemistry. Regarding reductionism, Hoffman argues essentially this: Quantum physics does not reduce chemistry to a rich Lego Set where chemists just permute new combinations of atoms. What mother worries about solving a wave equation when enjoying the experience of her newborn? Physics may describe all phenomena, but its descriptions are unsatisfactory with increasing layers of abstraction; chemistry is one of these abstractions. Hoffman lifts chemistry from reductionism by simply presenting what chemists deal with everyday. Many of these questions have an epistemological flavor to them. For instance, what molecules make up this substance? How do I know for sure that this molecule that I have synthesized is exactly the one found in nature? In what manner does a chemical reaction proceed, e.g., what are the reactionary intermediate molecules on the way to the final product? What is the best way to represent this molecule on paper? This more philosophical presentation of chemistry, preserves the book from being 'stale' as more test tube chem books may suffer from. It is also easy to see that these questions do not involve a bit of quantum physics at all. Perhaps unique among the sciences, chemistry creates itself with every new reaction mechanism >imagined<, and every new molecule synthesized. Because of that, Hoffman argues, chemistry is much closer to the Arts than any other science. He then explores this in depth, showing us the steps to synthesizing cubane, a beautifully simple carbon molecule that looks like a cube. And he shows us what makes a synthesis beautiful in the eyes of a chemist. It can be a visual aesthetic, a devilishly ingenious synthesis mechanism, a new way to create greater yields, and so on. Presenting the humanity of chemistry is just as important to Hoffman as chemistry's Art, and it's rescue from reductionism. So not only does Hoffman show us how chemistry is much like the Arts, he also presents some of the moral dilemma's that many chemists face. A chemical can bestow great benefit and at the same time cause a lot of harm. A few examples that he gives revolve about synthetic growth hormones and insecticide. Particularly nice is how he personally reacts as a chemist and lay person. Perhaps the best example is his chapter on the great chemist Haber who represents the paradoxes of chemistry. So peppered throughout, Hoffman gives his personal view that chemistry and it's surrounding community must face, which makes his second objective (humanity) that much better, and in addition gives the book a very warm style. But now, let's move on to the negatives, and I hope you don't skip them, because I believe it will enhance your reading of this book. Superficially, Hoffman paints a broad stroke of chemistry and at times gets off the topic. But, the biggest problem with the book is that Hoffman unintentionally puts up a smokescreen. He wants to show that chemistry is not just merely an academic application of physics, but an endeavor in its own right. By just explaining and presenting chemistry as he did, he did a splendid job. However, Hoffman peppers his book with 'diatribes' against radical reductionism (those who choose to reduce chemistry to physics.) This really detracts from the beauty of the rest of the book, because the readers are then expecting a direct redressing of the criticism; when none is offered, the beauty of the rest of the book is diminished, because they are left scratching their heads. The analogy is this. Suppose I will emotionally rebut the reductionists trying to reduce motherhood to physics. Then, I proceed to >just< explain motherhood. And that is all. Chances are, since my argument in no way mentions physics again, it will detract you from appreciating fully the subject I presented. This is how I felt for a good deal of Hoffman's book. Now, you won't make that mistake. Remember, Hoffman's argument is self evident in the chemistry he presents. So who would appreciate this book? I believe first year chemists, and students thinking of making chemistry their careers would gain a lot from this book. However, the book is broad enough to appeal to those who have a passing interest in science. In fact, it is those people who have a passing interest in science who might like it more than science fans that may have wanted a more 'test-tube' book. Let me end by giving Hoffman's example of -what seemed to me- the embodiment of the book. In a chapter he shows the struggle every chemist faces when dealing with his pears. The debates can be heated and down right nasty, and dare I say, unprofessional. Hoffman gives lengthy quotes from anonymous peers reviewing papers he submitted to respected chemistry journals. It is a showing of the insecurities that all of us have, and equally, it is an intimate look at the lives chemists. It's quite unique from any book I've read on science. So, take this book in its entirety: with all of the artistry, science, and philosophy; its trivial mistakes, and over emotional ones. What emerges is a warm, comfortably familiar human touch.
Rating: 
Summary: Illuminating and Facinating - A Wonderful Presentation
Review: This collection of essays about the nature and practice of chemistry is as rich and diverse as the subject itself. It describes what it is like to be a chemist and the undercurrent of ideas that define chemistry as a unique and worthy endeavor. This book should be must reading for every student of science. With its clear and lucid style, it reminded me in some ways of my other favorite author, Stephen Jay Gould. I couldn't put it down. One last comment: The heavy coated paper adds clarity and crispness to the words and illustrations, well worth the extra cost. Very nice. Thanks Columbia University Press.
Rating:
Summary: Illuminating and Facinating - A Wonderful Presentation
Review: This collection of essays about the nature and practice of chemistry is as rich and diverse as the subject itself. It describes what it is like to be a chemist and the undercurrent of ideas that define chemistry as a unique and worthy endeavor. This book should be must reading for every student of science. With its clear and lucid style, it reminded me in some ways of my other favorite author, Stephen Jay Gould. I couldn't put it down. One last comment: The heavy coated paper adds clarity and crispness to the words and illustrations, well worth the extra cost. Very nice. Thanks Columbia University Press.
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