The Rhubarb Connection and Other Revelations

Download or read book The Rhubarb Connection and Other Revelations written by Lars Öhrström and published by Royal Society of Chemistry. This book was released on 2018-12-05 with total page 234 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Pink warships that vanish at dusk, urinary maladies of an emperor, and a gold test for cocaine - behold the chemistry of metal ions as never before. In this book you will learn about the sarcophagus molecule, the Chen-Kao test, and how murderers can be caught blue-handed with the wonders of glowing luminol. You will also meet the hidden chemistry of metal ions in everyday life, from the clever modern devices that measure blood-sugar levels, to the leather on your shoes and chewing gum stuck to their soles. Expect to encounter a fair share of heroes and villains, real and fictional, scientist and layperson. Such characters include an ex-MI5 employee running a hospital ward in London amid falling German V1 rockets, a notorious racing cyclist, a proud butler and the lady who first proposed nuclear fission (it's not who you think it is). With engaging, humorous and intelligent prose, the reader will discover the fascinating back-stories of chemical discoveries and inventions where metal ions have played a major role. Featuring a foreword by popular science communicator Dr Raychelle Burks of St. Edward's University, Texas.