The Crumbs of Creation: Trace elements in history, medicine, industry, crime and folklore

By J.M.A. Lenihan

Of the 90 chemical elements that occur in nature, only a dozen are found in easily measurable amounts in the human body. The rest are trace elements, present at such low concentrations that most of them were, until quite recently, beyond the reach of detection. The Crumbs of Creation reviews the absorbing story of trace elements in medicine, history, industry, crime, and folklore, showing how the study of their properties can help us survive through a better understanding and control of our environment. Written in an easy-to-read, entertaining style, the book consists of interrelated anecdotes grouped together in relevant chapters. Although readers will derive much entertainment from this book, there is an underlying seriousness to the topics.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: B00DHPVET6
• ISBN13: 9780852743904
• Release Date: January 1988
• Publisher: CRC Press
• Length: 170 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.7" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

The Crumbs of Creation

This readable little volume is based on the lecture notes for a university level "chemistry appreciation" course given by the author, a chemsitry professor. Filled with anecdotes about the importance of minor elements in history, crime detection, and all sorts of other areas of life, it is easy to read from cover to cover or to pick up and delve into chapters at random. This work is a rare bird in the general science literature: although fully enjoyable for its intended audience of the non-scientist with a healthy interest in the workings of the world, it is sophisticated enough, with enough detail and professional citations, that it is a delight to chemical professionals as well. The fans who have enjoyed my own well-travelled copy include a retired chemist, an English as a second language teacher, a precocious middle school student, a linguist, a full-time homemaker, and a chemical engineering professor.