The Mystery of the Periodic Table

Leads the reader on a delightful and absorbing journey through the ages, on the trail of the elements of the Periodic Table as we know them today. He introduces the young reader to people like Von Helmont, Boyle, Stahl, Priestly, Cavendish, Lavoisier, and many others, all incredibly diverse in personality and approach, who have laid the groundwork for a search that is still unfolding to this day. The first part of Wiker's witty and solidly instructive presentation is most suitable to middle school age, while the later chapters are designed for ages 12-13 and up, with a final chapter somewhat more advanced.

Author Benjamin Wiker leads the reader on a delightful and absorbing journey through the ages, on the trail of the elements of the Periodic Table as we know them today. He introduces us to people like Von Helmont, Boyle, Stahl, Priestley, Cavendish, Lavoisier, and their successors, all incredibly diverse in personality and approach. Their questions and experiments, and the unraveling of their misunderstandings form the basis of Dr. Wiker's witty, but solidly instructive presentation. It is suitable to middle school age, with the later chapters designed for ages 12-13 and up, and a final chapter somewhat more advanced. Young and old alike are invited to explore the mystery, tasting the perils -- and pleasures -- of an ongoing adventure.