Today we are reviewing two books:
IT’S ELEMENTAL
“It’s Elemental: The Hidden Chemistry in Everything” (304 pages, paperback, 2022) by Kate Biberdorf: Amazon description is: “Have you ever wondered what makes dough rise? Or how your morning coffee gives you that energy boost? Or why your shampoo is making your hair look greasy? The answer is chemistry. From the moment we wake up until the time we go to sleep (and even while we sleep), chemistry is at work—and it doesn’t take a PhD in science to understand it.”
I loved it. It was interesting and it has already changed how michelle makes omelets in the morning.
Part 2 on practical uses was more interesting than part 1 on ‘theory’.
ONE BIG OBJECTION, to a first comment in the Introduction; but first some random comments:
P 76, mentions “ice road truckers”
P 106, how caffeine works…
P 113, how to make an omelette; eggs and milk…
P 127, why cotton fabrics are not good for working out…
P 129, digesting food, ATP; how to lose weight
P 140, pain killers; aspirin, heroin, oxycontin
P 147, shampoo
P 191, baking, ‘be precise’, ‘measure by volume’
P 236, alcohol…
“What Alcohol Does to Your Brain | Dr. Andrew Huberman”
Top rated comment: “This entire episode ended my desire to drink alcohol again. I know I will at some point, but I can never unhear/unsee this episode. Dr. Huberman does not hold back and tells us exactly what we need to hear regarding this literal poison that’s so socially acceptable. Thank you to Dr. Huberman and the team for this sobering lesson on alcohol!”
See our book review on “Drunk”; https://themonopolyproject.com/tmp-floating-book-reviews-four-books-in-a-pit-with-a-lion-on-a-snowy-day-drunk-dominus-and-the-patriots-fate/ for the counter argument.
OBJECTION:
P 9 (Introduction): Prof Biderdorf writes “Which element on the periodic table is the best – it’s palladium, obviously.”
Obviously NOT:
Iron is the coolest element. Three reasons; nuclear physics, atomic physics (chemistry) and Bible physics:
- Nuclear Physics: Most stable element is Fe56 (Fe is Latin for ferrous, iron. Iron56 has 26 protons, 30 neutrons)
The whole universe will end in near infinity with only iron in the universe in a bath of milli-kelvin photons…
- Atomic Physics (Chemistry): Iron is the material basis of our economy (steel, steel reinforced concrete) and our very life, hemoglobin.
Bible Physics: Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”
Iron (Fe) has the highest binding energy per nucleon so is the most stable nucleus. It is for the same reason that Iron is found in the cores of stars and planets (as they are the primary end products of supernovae and in the final stages of silicone burning the stars).
Iron is the peak of the binding energy curve (as shown below in the graph).
The question which arises now is Nickel(Ni) is most tightly bound nucleus and thus it should be most stable!! But that is not the case. Iron (Fe-56) is more common than Nickel(Ni-62) and other Nickel isotopes and the “Ni isotopes are much less stable”. This the reason behind Ni-56 decaying into Iron nucleus in the stars. https://openstax.org/books/chemistry-2e/pages/21-1-nuclear-structure-and-stability
If the best element is not iron, then it has to be Carbon (6 protons, 6 neutrons):
- Nuclear Physics: triple alpha process allows the existence of elements beyond helium. If not for the excited state of carbon, the universe would be nothing but hydrogen and helium.
- Atomic Physics: We are carbon based beings. Carbon can make long chains of hydrocarbons. Basis of life. If not for the triple alpha process and latex (Latex is mainly a long chain of hydrocarbon polymer consisting of cis-1,4-polyisoproprene) we could not make helium balloons. And the world would be a much sadder place.
Biblical Physics: No references, so iron wins 3 to 2.
THE MEDIEVAL CANNON
“The Medieval Cannon 1326–1494” (48 pages, paperback, 2019) by Jonathan Davies: I ran across a description of this book in Guns & Ammo and had to buy it. The great thing about the book is that they don’t just look at the historical records, they also test out recreations of the cannon. An Amazon review is: “The author has drawn heavily on period manuscripts and art touching cannons in their variety and use. Of note, he has also included data on the performance of such weapons as indicated by modern reproductions and re-enactors. The narrative includes fascinating data on ranges, rates of fire, potential effectiveness, and battlefield hazard. His conclusions are brief but to the point. The text is very nicely supported by period and modern illustrations, and photographs. Well recommended to the interested student of Medieval warfare.”
Recommended in Guns & Ammo magazine:
Great book on the evidence for the efficacy of cannons in the medieval age; specifically 1326 to 1494.
He goes back to first sources to find references; many financial, some descriptive.
Main question is did cannons revolutionize warfare in this time period?
SPOILER: No
I liked it because he goes back to original sources and…
He and his friends recreate the cannon and gunpowder.
He gives various old recipes for gunpowder, talks about the economics, and tests them.
My friend peter and I making gunpowder in his mother’s oven.
This kind of stuff is only done in England.