From Atomos To Atom

This classic profiles the atom's progress from Grecian philosophy to physical conception in the 17th century and modern applications to quantum theory. "Fascinating." ? Philosophy. 1960 edition.

The concept of the atom is very close to scientific bedrock, the deepest and most fundamental fact about the nature of reality. This book presents the whole panorama of the atomic hypothesis, and its place in Western civilization, from its origins in early Greek philosophy 2500 years ago to the definitive proof through direct microscopic imaging of since atoms, about ten years ago.

Until now, popular science has relegated the atom to a supporting role in defining the different chemical elements of the periodic table. This bold new title places its subject center stage, shining the spotlight directly onto the structure and properties of this tiniest amount of anything it is possible to identify. The book covers a huge range of topics, including the development of scientific thinking about the atom, the basic structure of the atom, how the interactions between atoms account for the familiar properties of everyday materials; the power and mystery of the atomic nucleus, and what the mysterious quantum realm of subatomic particles and their interactions can tell us about the very nature of reality. Sparkling text banishes an outdated world of dull chemistry, as it brightly introduces the reader to what everything is made of and how it all works, on the most fundamental level.

"A biography of ancient Greek philosopher Democritus, who believed that all matter was made up of indivisible and indestructible particles called atoms moving around in a void"--Provided by publisher.

Discusses the discovery of the atom and its parts, the development of nuclear fission in laboratories, and how nuclear fission can be and has been used for.