Molecules

The Elements and the Architecture of Everything, Book 2 of 3

Contributors

By Theodore Gray

Photographs by Nick Mann

Formats and Prices

Price

$29.99

Price

$37.99 CAD

Format

In Molecules, bestselling author Theodore Gray demonstrates, through stunning, never-before-seen images and illustrations, how the elements of the periodic table combine to form the molecules that make up our world.

Everything physical is made up of the elements and the infinite variety of molecules they form when they combine with each other. In Molecules, Theodore Gray takes the next step in the story that began with the periodic table in his best-selling book, The Elements: A Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in the Universe. Here, he explores, through fascinating stories and trademark stunning photography, the most interesting, essential, useful, and beautiful of the millions of chemical structures that make up every material in the world.

Gray begins with an explanation of how atoms bond to form molecules and compounds, as well as the difference between organic and inorganic chemistry. He then goes on to explore the vast array of materials molecules can create, including: soaps and solvents; goops and oils; rocks and ores; ropes and fibers; painkillers and dangerous drugs; sweeteners; perfumes and stink bombs; colors and pigments; and controversial compounds including asbestos, CFCs, and thimerosal.

Big, gorgeous photographs, as well as diagrams of the compounds and their chemical bonds, rendered with never before seen beauty, fill the pages and capture molecules in their various states.

As he did in The Elements, Gray shows us molecules as we’ve never seen them before. It’s the perfect book for his loyal fans who’ve been eager for more and for anyone fascinated with the mysteries of the material world.

  • I am so bowled over by Molecules that I can only express my feelings with a one-word blurb: "WONDERFUL!" — Oliver Sacks
  • "Molecules is like dipping your toe in a clear shallow pool—with transparent explanations, shimmering graphics, and luminous photography—then suddenly realizing you are happily swimming in deep waters, relaxed and having fun!  The science here is presented so elegantly you'll feel like you are holding a jewelry catalog, and it's impossible to put down. A must have for anyone of any age or education."  — Jamie Hyneman, Host, MythBusters

On Sale
Oct 15, 2014
Page Count
240 pages
ISBN-13
9781579129712

Theodore Gray

About the Author

Theodore Gray is the author of The ElementsMolecules, and Reactions as well as Theodore Gray's Completely Mad Science, How Things Work, and Engines. He is the creator of the bestselling iPad apps "Elements" and "Molecules," which have both been named App of the Week by Apple, and he was the director of "Disney Animated," also honored by Apple as iPad App of the Year. He co-founded Wolfram Research, Inc., makers of the widely used software Mathematica and the 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 The ElementsMolecules, ReactionsHow Things Work and Engines. In his other life, he designs and makes specialized note-taking fieldwork equipment and he works in the quality control department for a large automotive company. He lives in Urbana, Illinois.

Learn more about this author

Nick Mann

About the Photographer

Nick Mann is a photographer specializing in taking beautiful photos of inanimate objects on black backgrounds. His other work includes The ElementsMolecules, ReactionsHow Things Work and Engines. In his other life, he designs and makes specialized note-taking fieldwork equipment and he works in the quality control department for a large automotive company. He lives in Urbana, Illinois.

Learn more about this photographer