Chemical Heritage

This book traces the global chemical history of cannabidiol (CBD), which is a compound that originates partially from hemp (the fiber), marijuana (the popularized term for medicinal/recreational use), and cannabis (the species sativa). It also argues about the position that CBD is in today and the heritage established by chemists over the course of its development. Each term associated with the plant spans centuries of development and cross-culturally became an object of cultivation and commerce. Humans have explored cannabis’ complex chemical possibilities with the hope that it would offer pain relief or some type of mind-numbing portal to other existences. As such the trio and their many incarnations have been and will continue to be an integral part of the past, the present, and the future. Known as cannabis compound cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of the drug, it is one of some 100-plus known cannabinoids; offshoots of the original plant that are isolated and, in some cases, chemically altered. Just as with any supposed pharmaceutical marvel, chemists are at the center of this narrative. In order to understand its historical roots, central to CBD’s discovery was the efforts of scientists who worked in separate eras and regions. These included, Americans Roger Adams and Allyn Howlett, and the Bulgarian-born Israeli chemist Raphael Mechoulam, along with a throng of others. They influenced a generation of students and changed the face of cannabis research into the 21st century. What does its history tell us about the future of chemical products like CBD? This brief will explore the chemical heritage that formed across a complicated nexus of global events. These are the bonds that tie.

This book was designed to help teachers supplement science curricula with human stories of discovery in the chemical sciences. Chemical Achievers presents the lives and work of two types of achievers. First are the historical greats, those chemical scientists most often referred to in introductory courses. Second are those scientists who made contributions in areas of the chemical sciences that are of special relevance to modern life and the career choices students will make. The human faces summarized in this book range from Robert Boyle to Glenn Seaborg and Stephanie Kwolek. In this lively and comprehensive collection of photographs and biographies, Bowden illuminates how much the chemical sciences owe to the individual achiever. Over 150 images can be easily reproduced as overhead transparencies or other visual teaching aids.

Provides curriculum resources and hands-on inquiry activities for teaching students in grades 5 through 8 about chemistry. Includes connections to children's literature and assessment documents.

The series Topics in Current Chemistry Collections presents critical reviews from the journal Topics in Current Chemistry organized in topical volumes. The scope of coverage is all areas of chemical science including the interfaces with related disciplines such as biology, medicine and materials science. The goal of each thematic volume is to give the non-specialist reader, whether in academia or industry, a comprehensive insight into an area where new research is emerging which is of interest to a larger scientific audience.Each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years are presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. The coverage is not intended to be an exhaustive summary of the field or include large quantities of data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the methodological thinking that will allow the non-specialist reader to understand the information presented. Contributions also offer an outlook on potential future developments in the field.

A collection of photographs and biographical information intended to help teachers present "the human face of science. ... The format and special binding of the book allow for easy conversion to overhead transparencies."--Cover.