Kemi

Vilka sjukdomstillstånd ger förhöjda respektive sänkta mätvärden för de vanligaste kliniskt kemiska analyserna? Svaret får du i den här boken, tillsammans med många praktiska tips och kommentarer om analystolkning. Klinisk kemi. Kortfattad analystolkning presenterar klinisk kemi på ett lättillgängligt sätt. I bokens inledande del finns avsnitt om rationell provbeställning, om laboratorieprocessen med felkällor och interferenser samt resultattolkning. Därefter presenteras de vanligaste analyserna inom klinisk kemi ordnade från A till Ö, med en analys eller analysgrupp per sida.I denna andra upplaga har innehållet reviderats för att spegla den utveckling som ständigt sker inom klinisk kemi med utbytta analys­instrument, ändrade metoder och referensintervall, uppdaterade medicinska riktlinjer och nya rön i den vetenskapliga litteraturen. Boken har också utökats med fem nya analyssidor samt två nya delar: en om kliniskt kemiska analyser vid sport och träning och en om analyser i algoritmer för medicinska bedömnings­stöd.Klinisk kemi. Kortfattad analystolkning är en praktisk bok att ha till hands för dig som är student på läkarprogrammet eller under vidareutbildning. Även färdiga specialister och andra yrkes­kategorier, t.ex. biomedicinska analytiker och sjuksköterskor, har nytta av boken för snabb konsultation i det kliniska rutinarbetet.

Scientists are increasingly finding themselves engaged in research problems that cross the traditional disciplinary lines of physics, chemistry, biology, materials science, and engineering. Because of its broad scope, statistical mechanics is an essential tool for students and more experienced researchers planning to become active in such an interdisciplinary research environment. Powerful computational methods that are based in statistical mechanics allow complex systems to be studied at an unprecedented level of detail. This book synthesizes the underlying theory of statistical mechanics with the computational techniques and algorithms used to solve real-world problems and provides readers with a solid foundation in topics that reflect the modern landscape of statistical mechanics. Topics covered include detailed reviews of classical and quantum mechanics, in-depth discussions of the equilibrium ensembles and the use of molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo to sample classical and quantum ensemble distributions, Feynman path integrals, classical and quantum linear-response theory, nonequilibrium molecular dynamics, the Langevin and generalized Langevin equations, critical phenomena, techniques for free energy calculations, machine learning models, and the use of these models in statistical mechanics applications. The book is structured such that the theoretical underpinnings of each topic are covered side by side with computational methods used for practical implementation of the theoretical concepts.

Livsmedelsvetenskap är ett tvärvetenskapligt ämne som belyser mat ur olika vetenskapliga perspektiv. Det omfattar livsmedelskedjan, från råvarans ursprung och kemiska sammansättning till förädling, tillagning och konsumtion. Vårt livsmedelssystem står inför en nödvändig omställning. För att möta framtidens utmaningar måste vi främja hälsa, klimat och miljö. Dessutom måste systemet kunna försörja befolkningen med tillräcklig mat och näring även under kriser.Livsmedelsvetenskap ger svar på aktuella frågor som rör hela kedjan från odling och uppfödning till den ätfärdiga maträtten med målet att sträva mot en hälsosammare och mer hållbar livsmedelsproduktion och konsumtion. I denna utgåva har de uppdaterade Nordiska näringsrekommendationerna och ett kapitel om växtbaserade livsmedel inkluderats.Denna bok inleds med övergripande kapitel om livsmedelskvalitet, konserveringsmetoder och matlagningstekniker. Därefter följer kapitel om respektive livsmedelsgrupp från råvarans ursprung, via kemisk sammansättning, till vad som händer under tillagning. Närings-, hälso- och miljöaspekter behandlas på respektive råvara.Genomgående innehåller kapitlen fakta om:• råvarans ursprung, uppbyggnad och sammansättning• kvalitetskriterier• industriell tillverkning• förvaring, beredning och tillagningsmetoder• miljö och hälsa.Boken vänder sig i första hand till studenter på högskola/universitetet samt även andra matintresserade personer. Boken är tänkt att användas på utbildningar inom livsmedelsvetenskap för dietister, gastronomer, kostekonomer, kostvetare, lärare i hem- och konsumentkunskap, livsmedelsagronomer och nutritionister.

The exceptional quality of previous editions has been built upon to make the twelfth edition of Atkins' Physical Chemistry even more closely suited to the needs of both lecturers and students. The writing style has been refreshed in collaboration with current students of physical chemistry in order to retain the clarity for which the book is recognised while mirroring the way you read and engage with information.The new edition is now available as an enhanced e-book, which offers you a richer, more dynamic learning experience. It does this by incorporating digital enhancements that are carefully curated and thoughtfully inserted at meaningful points to enhance the learning experience. In addition, it offers formative auto-graded assessment materials to provide you with regular opportunities to test their understanding.Digital enhancements introduced for the new edition include dynamic graphs, which you can interact with to explore how the manipulation of variables affects the results of the graphs; self-check questions at the end of every Topic; video content from physical chemists; and video tutorials to accompany each Focus, which dig deeper into the key equations introduced. There is also a new foundational prologue entitled 'Energy: A First Look', which summarizes key concepts that are best kept in mind right from the beginning of your physical chemistry studies.The coupling of the broad coverage of the subject with a structure and use of pedagogy that is even more innovative will ensure Atkins' Physical Chemistry remains the textbook of choice for studying physical chemistry.

Leading you from the fundamental principles of inorganic chemistry right through to cutting-edge research at the forefront of the subject, Inorganic Chemistry is the ideal course companion for the duration of your degree. BL Written by an experienced and research-active author team, the unique four-part structure of this text provides comprehensive and contemporary coverage of inorganic chemistry from fundamental theory through to cutting-edge interdisciplinary research and current applications, making this text the ideal companion for the duration of a degree. BL Additional qualitative explanation to help students get to grips with the more mathematical treatments. BL An extensive range of learning features is provided to support students, including 'context boxes’, ‘notes on good practice’, ‘key points’ and ‘brief illustrations’. BL Numerous worked examples, self-test questions, exercises, and the more stretching tutorial problems encourage students to develop vital problem-solving skills. BL The 8th edition is available for students and institutions to purchase in a variety of formats: the e-book and Science Trove offer a mobile experience and convenient access along with embedded three-dimensional visualisations of many of the structures that appear throughout the book, video overviews, and a suite of multiple-choice questions functionality tools, navigation features and links that offer extra learning support. For more information about e-books, please visit www.oxfordtextbooks.co.uk/ebooks.

Kepler's essay, On the Six-Cornered Snowflake, provides the first published evidence of the ideas of regular arrangements and close-packing which have proved fundamental to crystallography. In it, Kepler ponders on the problem of why snowflakes are hexagonal, two centuries before the first successful steps were taken towards its solution. The purpose of this volume is to display the historical, literary, scientific, and philosophical treasures of Kepler's essay. The book includes the modernized text of the 1611 Latin edition, with an English translation by Colin Hardie on the opposite pages. The text is accompanied by an introduction giving details of the history of the work, and two essays; Professor B. J. Mason's discussion of the scientific meaning and validity of Kepler's arguments and their relation to the history of crystallography and of space filling, and L. L. Whyte's examination of Kepler's facultas formatrix in relation to the history of philosophical and scientific ideas on the genesis of forms.

Phenethylamines I Have Known And Loved A unique document written by renowned psychopharmo -gist Shulgin and his partner which gives details of his research and investigations into the use of psychedelic drugs for the study of the human mind. Also describes in detail a wealth of phenet- hlyamines, their physical properties, dosages used and duration of effects observed, and commentary.

Reaction Rate Theory and Rare Events bridges the historical gap between these subjects because the increasingly multidisciplinary nature of scientific research often requires an understanding of both reaction rate theory and the theory of other rare events. The book discusses collision theory, transition state theory, RRKM theory, catalysis, diffusion limited kinetics, mean first passage times, Kramers theory, Grote-Hynes theory, transition path theory, non-adiabatic reactions, electron transfer, and topics from reaction network analysis. It is an essential reference for students, professors and scientists who use reaction rate theory or the theory of rare events.

In addition, the book discusses transition state search algorithms, tunneling corrections, transmission coefficients, microkinetic models, kinetic Monte Carlo, transition path sampling, and importance sampling methods. The unified treatment in this book explains why chemical reactions and other rare events, while having many common theoretical foundations, often require very different computational modeling strategies.

Offers an integrated approach to all simulation theories and reaction network analysis, a unique approach not found elsewhere Gives algorithms in pseudocode for using molecular simulation and computational chemistry methods in studies of rare events Uses graphics and explicit examples to explain concepts Includes problem sets developed and tested in a course range from pen-and-paper theoretical problems, to computational exercises

The field’s essential standard for more than three decades, Fundamentals of Momentum, Heat and Mass Transfer offers a systematic introduction to transport phenomena and rate processes. Thorough coverage of central principles helps students build a foundational knowledge base while developing vital analysis and problem solving skills. Momentum, heat, and mass transfer are introduced sequentially for clarity of concept and logical organization of processes, while examples of modern applications illustrate real-world practices and strengthen student comprehension. Designed to keep the focus on concept over content, this text uses accessible language and efficient pedagogy to streamline student mastery and facilitate further exploration.  Abundant examples, practice problems, and illustrations reinforce basic principles, while extensive tables simplify comparisons of the various states of matter. Detailed coverage of topics including dimensional analysis, viscous flow, conduction, convection, and molecular diffusion provide broadly-relevant guidance for undergraduates at the sophomore or junior level, with special significance to students of chemical, mechanical, environmental, and biochemical engineering.

The definitive guide to the principles and practice of experimental organic chemistry — fully updated and now featuring more than 100 experimentsThe latest edition of this popular guide to experimental organic chemistry takes students from their first day in the laboratory right through to complex research procedures. All sections have been updated to reflect new techniques, equipment and technologies, and the text has been revised with an even sharper focus on practical skills and procedures.The first half of the book is devoted to safe laboratory practice as well as purification and analytical techniques; particularly spectroscopic analysis. The second half contains step-by-step experimental procedures, each one illustrating a basic principle, or important reaction type. Tried and tested over almost three decades, over 100 validated experiments are graded according to their complexity and all are chosen to highlight important chemical transformations and to teach key experimental skills.New sections cover updated health and safety guidelines, additional spectroscopic techniques, electronic notebooks and record keeping, and techniques, such as semi-automated chromatography and enabling technologies such as the use of microwave and flow chemistry. New experiments include transition metal-catalysed cross-coupling, organocatalysis, asymmetric synthesis, flow chemistry, and microwave-assisted synthesis. Key aspects of this third edition include: Detailed descriptions of the correct use of common apparatus used in the organic laboratoryOutlines of practical skills that all chemistry students must learnHighlights of aspects of health and safety in the laboratory, both in the first section and throughout the experimental proceduresFour new sections reflecting advances in techniques and technologies, from electronic databases and information retrieval to semi-automated chromatographyMore than 100 validated experiments of graded complexity from introductory to research levelA user-friendly experiment directoryAn instructor manual and PowerPoint slides of the figures in the book available on a companion websiteA comprehensive guide to contemporary organic chemistry laboratory principles, procedures, protocols, tools and techniques, Experimental Organic Chemistry, Third Edition is both an essential laboratory textbook for students of chemistry at all levels, and a handy bench reference for experienced chemists.

The pathways and networks underlying biological functionNow in its second edition, Biochemical Pathways continues to garner praise from students, instructors, and researchers for its clear, full-color illustrations of the pathways and networks that determine biological function.Biochemical Pathways examines the biochemistry of bacteria, plants, and animals. It offers a quick overview of the metabolic sequences in biochemical pathways, the chemistry and enzymology of conversions, the regulation of turnover, the expression of genes, the immunological interactions, and the metabolic background of health disorders. A standard set of conventions is used in all illustrations, enabling readers to easily gather information and compare the key elements of different biochemical pathways. For both quick and in-depth understanding, the book uses a combination of: Illustrations integrating many different features of the reactions and their interrelationshipsTables listing the important system components and their functionText supplementing and expanding on the illustrated factsIn the second edition, the volume has been expanded by 50 percent. Text and figures have undergone a thorough revision and update, reflecting the tremendous progress in biochemical knowledge in recent years. A guide to the relevant biochemical databases facilitates access to the extensive documentation of scientific knowledge.Biochemical Pathways, Second Edition is recommended for all students and researchers in such fields as biochemistry, molecular biology, medicine, organic chemistry, and pharmacology. The book's illustrated pathways aids the reader in understanding the complex set of biochemical reactions that occur in biological systems. From the reviews: “… highly recommended for every scientist and student working in biochemistry.” –Umwelt & Gesundheit 4/2012 (review in German language)

These popular molecular modelling sets can be used to make many different molecules. Designed for teachers, this set contains 111 colour-coded atoms and 140 links. The medium links can be used for single bonds, while the longer, flexible links can be used for double or triple bonds. Short links can be used to create compact models.Using molecular models can help students to visualise concepts such as isomerism through hands-on learning. The models can also be used to learn about balancing equations and molecular geometry.Molymod is a registered trade mark of the EU ( and other places) and is owned by Spiring Enterprises Limited who are the inventors and exclusive manufactureres of the molymod system. Made In England.NOT AVAILABLE IN NORTH AMERICA AND CANADA

This text is a companion volume to Transmission Electron Microscopy: A Textbook for Materials Science by Williams and Carter. The aim is to extend the discussion of certain topics that are either rapidly changing at this time or that would benefit from more detailed discussion than space allowed in the primary text. World-renowned researchers have contributed chapters in their area of expertise, and the editors have carefully prepared these chapters to provide a uniform tone and treatment for this exciting material. The book features an unparalleled collection of color figures showcasing the quality and variety of chemical data that can be obtained from today’s instruments, as well as key pitfalls to avoid. As with the previous TEM text, each chapter contains two sets of questions, one for self assessment and a second more suitable for homework assignments. Throughout the book, the style follows that of Williams & Carter even when the subject matter becomes challenging—the aim is always to make the topic understandable by first-year graduate students and others who are working in the field of Materials ScienceTopics covered include sources, in-situ experiments, electron diffraction, Digital Micrograph, waves and holography, focal-series reconstruction and direct methods, STEM and tomography, energy-filtered TEM (EFTEM) imaging, and spectrum imaging. The range and depth of material makes this companion volume essential reading for the budding microscopist and a key reference for practicing researchers using these and related techniques.

Modern DFT simulations of solids and molecules are typically based on the mighty plane-wave pseudopotential combination. Despite being numerically efficient, it does not allow for chemical conclusions unless the electronic structure is unitarily transformed into atomic orbitals. This primer for chemists and as well for physicists and engineers shows how to simply extract the chemistry and, hence, truly understand a plethora of real-world materials The goal of this humorous primer entertaining to read is to truly serve but not repel the reader. Recent in-person and also virtual summer schools in Europe and Asia have demonstrated the need for such a primer, also to be used for self-training

This kit enables users to build virtually all simple molecules encountered in organic chemistry.

Includes space-filling models that simulate the true shape of saturated compounds Provides open models that form realistic single, double, and triple bonds – even strained rings Allows smooth rotation of the bonds to make conformational analysis easy Includes a Instruction Book – with photos, diagrams, and concise discussions of chemical principles

The set includes:

 

28 Hydrogen (white)

14 Carbon (black)

8 Oxygen (red)

4 Nitrogen (blue)

8 Chlorine (green)

2 Bromine (orange)

2 Iodine (purple)

40 Single Bond, Space-filling Models (white)

40 Single Bond, Open Models (short grey)

12 Double and Triple Bonds, Open Models (long grey)

Författaren till boken Organisk-kemisk nomenklatur - En introduktion till det kemiska språket vänder sig i sin framställning främst till alla studerande och yrkesverksamma som behöver en handbok i grundläggande organisk-kemisk nomenklatur. Det genomgående temat i boken är IUPAC:s substitutiva nomenklatur, men även mer speciella områden, t.ex. ringsystem och isotopiskt modifierade föreningar, behandlas. Organisk-kemisk nomenklatur är främst avsedd som vägledning vid översättning av kemiska namn till strukturformler, men behandlar också några typexempel på namnkonstruktion. Många exempel på ringnomenklatur har hämtats från läkemedelsområdet, och behandlingen av aminosyrenomenklatur är mer utförlig än tidigare. Uno Svensson var fram till sin pensionering år 2011 universitetslektor i organisk kemi vid Farmaceutiska Fakulteten, Uppsala Universitet.

The latest edition of this highly acclaimed title introduces the reader to a wide range of spectroscopies, and includes both the background theory and applications to structure determination and chemical analysis. It covers rotational, vibrational, electronic, photoelectron and Auger spectroscopy, as well as EXAFs and the theory of lasers and laser spectroscopy.* A revised and updated edition of a successful, clearly written book* Includes the latest developments in modern laser techniques, such as cavity ring-down spectroscopy and femtosecond lasers* Provides numerous worked examples, calculations and questions at the end of chapters

Nonlinear Solid Mechanics a Continuum Approach for Engineering Gerhard A. Holzapfel Graz University of Technology, Austria With a modern, comprehensive approach directed towards computational mechanics, this book covers a unique combination of subjects at present unavailable in any other text. It includes vital information on 'variational principles' constituting the cornerstone of the finite element method. In fact this is the only method by which Nonlinear Solid Mechanics is utilized in engineering practice. The book opens with a fundamental chapter on vectors and tensors. The following chapters are based on nonlinear continuum mechanics - an inevitable prerequisite for computational mechanicians. In addition, continuum field theory (applied to a representative sample of hyperelastic materials currently used in nonlinear computations such as incompressible and compressible materials) is presented, as are transversely isotropic materials, composite materials, viscoelastic materials and hyperelastic materials with isotropic damage. Another central chapter is devoted to the thermodynamics of materials, covering both finite thermoelasticity and finite thermoviscoelasticity. Also included are:* an up-to-date list of almost 300 references and a comprehensive index* useful examples and exercises for the student* selected topics of statistical and continuum thermodynamics.Furthermore, the principle of virtual work (in both the material and spatial descriptions) is compared with two and three-field variational principles particularly designed to capture kinematic constraints such as incompressibility. All of the features combined result in an essential text for final year undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers in mechanical, civil and aerospace engineering and applied maths and physics.

As a scientist, you are a professional writer: your career is built on successful proposals and papers. Success isn't defined by getting papers into print, but by getting them into the reader's consciousness. Writing Science is built upon the idea that successful science writing tells a story. It uses that insight to discuss how to write more effectively. Integrating lessons from other genres of writing with those from the author's years of experience as author, reviewer, and editor, the book shows scientists and students how to present their research in a way that is clear and that will maximize reader comprehension.The book takes an integrated approach, using the principles of story structure to discuss every aspect of successful science writing, from the overall structure of a paper or proposal to individual sections, paragraphs, sentences, and words. It begins by building core arguments, analyzing why some stories are engaging and memorable while others are quickly forgotten, and proceeds to the elements of story structure, showing how the structures scientists and researchers use in papers and proposals fit into classical models. The book targets the internal structure of a paper, explaining how to write clear and professional sections, paragraphs, and sentences in a way that is clear and compelling. The ideas within a paper should flow seamlessly, drawing readers along. The final section of the book deals with special challenges, such as how to discuss research limitations and how to write for the public. Writing Science is a much-needed guide to succeeding in modern science. Its insights and strategies will equip science students, scientists, and professionals across a wide range of scientific and technical fields with the tools needed to communicate effectively.

Solid State Physics Enables readers to easily understand the basics of solid state physics Solid State Physics is a successful short textbook that gives a clear and concise introduction to its subject. The presentation is suitable for students who are exposed to this topic for the first time. Each chapter starts with basic principles and gently progresses to more advanced concepts, using easy-to-follow explanations and keeping mathematical formalism to a minimum. This new edition is thoroughly revised, with easier-to-understand descriptions of metallic and covalent bonding, a straightforward proof of Bloch’s theorem, a simpler approach to the nearly free electron model, and enhanced pedagogical features, such as more than 100 discussion questions, 70 problems – including problems to train the students’ skills to find computational solutions – and multiple-choice questions at the end of each chapter, with solutions in the book for self-training. Solid State Physics introduces the readers to: Crystal structures and underlying bonding mechanisms The mechanical and vibrational properties of solidsElectronic properties in both a classical and a quantum mechanical picture, with a treatment of the electronic phenomena in metals, semiconductors and insulatorsMore advanced subjects, such as magnetism, superconductivity and phenomena emerging for nano-scaled solidsFor bachelor’s students in physics, materials sciences, engineering sciences, and chemistry, Solid State Physics serves as an introductory textbook, with many helpful supplementary learning resources included throughout the text and available online, to aid in reader comprehension.

A well-rounded and articulate examination of polymer properties at the molecular level, Polymer Chemistry focuses on fundamental principles based on underlying chemical structures, polymer synthesis, characterization, and properties. It emphasizes the logical progression of concepts and provide mathematical tools as needed as well as fully derived problems for advanced calculations.The much-anticipated Third Edition expands and reorganizes material to better develop polymer chemistry concepts and update the remaining chapters. New examples and problems are also featured throughout.This revised edition: Integrates concepts from physics, biology, materials science, chemical engineering, and statistics as needed.Contains mathematical tools and step-by-step derivations for example problemsIncorporates new theories and experiments using the latest tools and instrumentation and topics that appear prominently in current polymer science journals.The number of homework problems has been greatly increased, to over 350 in all.The worked examples and figures have been augmented.More examples of relevant synthetic chemistry have been introduced into Chapter 2 ("Step-Growth Polymers").More details about atom-transfer radical polymerization and reversible addition/fragmentation chain-transfer polymerization have been added to Chapter 4 ("Controlled Polymerization").Chapter 7 (renamed "Thermodynamics of Polymer Mixtures") now features a separate section on thermodynamics of polymer blends.Chapter 8 (still called "Light Scattering by Polymer Solutions") has been supplemented with an extensive introduction to small-angle neutron scattering.Polymer Chemistry, Third Edition offers a logical presentation of topics that can be scaled to meet the needs of introductory as well as more advanced courses in chemistry, materials science, polymer science, and chemical engineering.

Boken beskriver och förklarar organiska molekylers otroliga mångfald, deras strukturer och egenskaper, och hur de kan delta i kemiska reaktioner och därmed användas i samhället. Den organiska kemin är fundamental för många vetenskapliga områden, den lägger till exempel grunden för livsprocesserna, och kunskaper i ämnet öppnar många dörrar.I denna tredje upplaga av boken har materialet till stor del om arbetats. Dels delas materialet tydligare in i en deskriptiv del som beskriver fysikalisk-organiska begrepp och olika föreningsklasser, och en mer mekanistisk del som beskriver organiska föreningars reaktioner och hur man kan utnyttja dem. Mellan de två blocken ges en introduktion till modeller för elektronfördelning och till slut ytterligare två deskriptiva kapitel om organisk analys och biologiska makromolekyler. Ett helt nyskrivet kapitel beskriver den metall organiska kemin som har utvecklats snabbt under de senaste åren, och den tredje upplagan har även utökats med ett avsnitt om grön kemi. Boken avslutas som tidigare med en grafisk sammanfattning och en epilog.Läroboken riktar sig i första hand till studerande på högskola/universitet som har för avsikt att tillägna sig grundläggande kunskaper i organisk kemi, samt till den som vill fräscha upp gamla kunskaper i

This book reveals glimpses of how the quantum physics of atoms and molecules influences, and even controls, the way our cells function and how we and our fellow animals interact with our environment. Simply put, how birds fly and why grass grows.Certainly, biochemistry and molecular biology are the foundations for the biology of living cells, but there is more—quantum coherence and entanglement influencing the functioning of proteins and enzymes, and strictly speaking, without the quantum phenomena we wouldn’t even be here.In the end, however, this book is based on the solid ground of science, presenting the many fascinating phenomena of how quantum physics makes life possible without any unwarranted mystification.

This primer provides an introduction to the subject of surfaces at the level of undergraduates and first year postgraduates. There are three chapters, the first concerns basic thermodynamic material used to understand the properties of surfaces including; surface tension, Gibbs adsorption, surface pressure and surface phase equilibria, surfactants and micelles, wetting, detergency, and contact angle. The second chapter concentrates on gas adsorbtion at solid surfaces and covers topics including adsorbtion, Langmuir isotherms, heats of adsorbtion, BET isotherms, physisorbtion, chemisorbtion, precursor adsorbtion kinetics, well-defined surfaces, UHV, surface sensitivity and selectivity, surface diffusion and electrons interacting with matter. The final chapter contains a series of worked examples and problems, bringing together the various strands developed in Chapters 1-3 in order to elucidate surface phenomena. The book is unique in its mix of 'Classical' and 'Modern' surface science and should be relevant to physicists, chemists and material scientists.

The ultimate eye-opening journey through time and space, A Short History of Nearly Everything is the biggest-selling popular science book of the 21st century and has sold over 2 million copies.'Possibly the best scientific primer ever published.' Economist'Truly impressive...It's hard to imagine a better rough guide to science.' Guardian'A travelogue of science, with a witty, engaging, and well-informed guide' The TimesBill Bryson describes himself as a reluctant traveller, but even when he stays safely at home he can't contain his curiosity about the world around him. A Short History of Nearly Everything is his quest to understand everything that has happened from the Big Bang to the rise of civilization - how we got from there, being nothing at all, to here, being us.Bill Bryson's challenge is to take subjects that normally bore the pants off most of us, like geology, chemistry and particle physics, and see if there isn't some way to render them comprehensible to people who have never thought they could be interested in science. As a result, A Short History of Nearly Everything reveals the world in a way most of us have never seen it before.