The Most Beautiful Molecule: The Discovery of the Buckyball

by Hugh Aldersey-Williams

Book Overview

The discovery of buckminsterfullerine, a previously unknown form of carbon, surprised the scientific community as much for the discovery as for the manner in which it came about. Here was a new, almost perfect carbon form with potential applications, discovered almost as a side project. This text recounts the events leading up to the discovery of the buckyball and explores the many new doors this scientific breakthrough may open.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 047110938X
• ISBN13: 9780471109389
• Release Date: August 1995
• Publisher: Wiley
• Length: 340 Pages
• Weight: 1.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.5" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

Sammy Keyes and the Art of Deception

This book is perfect for mystery lovers.Sammy Keyes and the Art of Deception is riveting tale of suspense and revalation, a thrill ride that has all the elements of a classic: romance, action/adveture, comedy, and most importantly, mystery! I loved this book. It begs you to slow down and relish it's great quality. I belive Wendelin van Draanen outdid herself with an amazing book. Again! -Katrina C.

The most beautiful molecule-The discovery of Bucky Ball

The book is exceedingly lucid in its style and very informative to all seekers of knowledge in the field of Fullerene Chemistry.Fullerene has the distinct place of being the molecule of the last century.Its applications being enormous are dealt with in an excellent way. "Nature"-a lover of symmetry is perhaps manifested as the black beauty in the form of C-60.What an insight the book provides for the prospective researchers in this discipline to seek more only to be found!

Field Goal: a pleasantly entertaining chemistry book

Having read many popular science books, this one is above average. All aspects of the discovery were well explained and references are extensive. Comparison with the cold fusion fiasco is appropriate, as the furor over these two scientific episodes were coincident. The petty fights and true believer mentality are present but tempered by appropriate scientific method, which went out the window quickly with cold fusion. Well written and enjoyable. If interested in cold fusion read Gary Taubes' Bad Science