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The Rhubarb Connection and Other Revelations - The Everyday World of Metal Ions - cover

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The Rhubarb Connection and Other Revelations - The Everyday World of Metal Ions

Lars Öhrström, Jacques Covès

Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry

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Summary

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.
Available since: 12/06/2018.

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