Preface
Chemistry is introduced with a discussion of its fundamental concepts; molecules, elements, formulas, and key chemical reactions. Then follows an account of the principal groups of elements. Finally, each of the last three sections deals with a major specialty within the discipline of chemistry as a whole: organic chemistry, biochemistry, and analytical chemistry.
The editorial approach
The object of the Encyclopedia of Science is to explain for adults and children alike the many aspects of science that are not only fascinating in themselves but are also vitally important for an understanding of the world today. To achieve this, the books in this series are straightforward and concise, accurate in content, and are clearly and attractively presented.
The often forbidding appearance of traditional science publications has been completely avoided in the Encyclopedia of Science. Approximately equal proportions of illustrations and text make even the most unfamiliar subjects interesting and attractive. Even more important, all of the drawings have been created specially to complement the text, each explaining a topic that can be difficult to understand through the printed word alone.
The thorough application of these principles has created a publication that covers its subject in an interesting and stimulating way, and that will prove to be an invaluable work of reference and!education for many years to come.
The advance of science
One of the most exciting and challenging aspects of science is that its frontiers are constantly being revised and extended, and new developments are occurring all the time. Its
advance depends largely on observation, experimentation, and debate, which generate theories that have to be tested and even then stand only until they are replaced by better concepts. For this reason, it is difficult for any science publication to be completely comprehensive. It is possible, however, to provide a thorough foundation that ensures that any such advances can be comprehended. It is the purpose of each book in this series to create such a foundation, by providing all the basic knowledge in the particular area of science it describes.