Nature's Building Blocks

A readable and informative entry on each one of the chemical elements, arranged alphabetically from actinium to zirconium. Each entry comprises an explanation of where the element's name comes from and is structured to provide accessible information under various headings: body element (the role it plays in living things); elements of history (how and when it was discovered); economic element (what it is used for); environmental element (where it occurs and how much); chemical element; (facts, figures and narrative); and element of surprise (an "amazing", little know fact about it). This volume should prove to be a useful "dipping into" resource for the family reference shelf and for the student.