Review: Molecules at an exhibition, by John Emsley

To begin with this book is not for those who aren't interested in molecules or elements, because that is really the only focus of this book. Over the summer/lockdown 1.0 I asked a few of my teachers for some book recommendations and this happened to be the first one for me to complete. However, it is clear that Emsley intended for this book to be accessible for even those who do not have a in depth education in science.

"[You do not] need a degree in chemistry to read and understand Molecules at an Exhibition"

This book, while it was interesting, could become quite dry after reading it for too long. I put no fault at the writer's expense, you can only read so much about so many molecules for so long! Putting this aside I did learn a huge amount from this book and it has made me want to explore the use and properties of different elements. The book is laid out in several chapters, or "galleries" which have roughly eight subchapters, or "portraits". By splitting each chapter into parts it suddenly becomes a much more manageable read. Some portraits are based upon the articles which Emsley wrote for various magazines and newspapers, however as they have been expanded upon to include more historical context and his own views.

The galleries which I found most interesting were the galleries on poisons and other more "malevolent" molecules, titled "Elements from Hell" as well as the galleries which cover organic molecules, but arguably the whole book was interesting as it covered a range of topics which will naturally appeal to a wide range of readers, each part of the periodic table was covered, from metals to non-metals, even including some noble gasses!

My favourite portrait was the one covering Lead, it highlighted how it is possible that Lead could have been a contributing factor to the fall of Rome in 395AD, then Emsley brings it back around to current day by discussing the causes of lead poisoning in today's society, which is mainly pollution from leaded petrol and some types of white paint which is no longer in use.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in application of Chemistry or just has a general interest in how life works.