Description
By Jean-Henri Fabre. Translated from the French by Florence Constable Bicknell. Unlock the wonders of chemistry through this timeless classic of popular science.
In The Wonder Book of Chemistry, celebrated French scientist and naturalist Jean-Henri Fabre transforms the world of chemistry into a fascinating journey of exploration filled with curiosity and wonder. Written in a lively conversational style, this classic work introduces readers to the basic principles of chemistry through vivid explanations, practical examples, and engaging discussions designed to awaken a lifelong interest in science.
Rather than presenting chemistry as a dry collection of formulas and technical language, Fabre reveals the hidden marvels behind everyday substances and natural processes. Readers learn about air, water, heat, metals, gases, acids, combustion, and countless other scientific phenomena through clear and imaginative storytelling that makes complex ideas understandable and exciting. Fabre’s gift for explanation allows readers of all ages to experience the thrill of scientific discovery while gaining a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Beautifully translated from the French by Florence Constable Bicknell, this edition preserves the warmth, intelligence, and enthusiasm that made Fabre one of the most beloved science writers of his era. The result is both an engaging introduction to chemistry and a literary classic that continues to inspire curiosity more than a century after its original publication.
More than a simple textbook, The Wonder Book of Chemistry reflects a timeless belief that science should inspire wonder as well as understanding. It invites readers to see the world with fresh eyes and to delight in the mysteries hidden within ordinary things.
This carefully restored edition revives a beloved classic of popular science for modern audiences. Ideal for students, homeschool libraries, educators, and lovers of science writing, it remains an enchanting introduction to the beauty and excitement of chemistry.
About the author: Jean-Henri Fabre (1823–1915) was a French naturalist, entomologist, and writer celebrated for his pioneering studies of insect behavior and his highly accessible popular science works. His vivid observations and gift for explanation made him one of the most admired science communicators of the nineteenth century.
About the translator: Florence Constable Bicknell (1858–1941) was an American writer and translator best known for translating Jean-Henri Fabre’s popular science books into English. Her graceful translations helped introduce generations of English-speaking readers to Fabre’s engaging explorations of science and the natural world.
CONTENTS
Translator’s Preface
Chapter I: Introduction
Chapter II: Mixing and Combining
Chapter III: The Slice of Toast
Chapter IV: Simple Substances
Chapter V: Compound Substances
Chapter VI: Experiments with the Breath
Chapter VII: Experiments with Air
Chapter VIII: Further Experiments with Air
Chapter IX: The Two Sparrows
Chapter X: Burning Phosphorus
Chapter XI: Burning Metals
Chapter XII: Salts
Chapter XIII: A Talk on Tools
Chapter XIV: Oxygen
Chapter XV: Air and Combustion
Chapter XVI: Rust
Chapter XVII: At the Blacksmith’s
Chapter XVIII: Hydrogen
Chapter XIX: A Drop of Water
Chapter XX: A Piece of Chalk
Chapter XXI: Carbonic-Acid Gas
Chapter XXII: Different Kinds of Water
Chapter XXIII: Plants at Work
Chapter XXIV: Sulphur
Chapter XXV: Chlorin
Chapter XXVI: Nitrogen Compounds
