Starts with the fundamental building block of matter, the atom and uses it as the stepping stone to understanding more complex chemistry topics.such as formation and properties of compounds as well as stoichiometry, kinetics, equilibrium, and thermodynamics.

Consists of five parts and an appendix. Part 1 - Essentials for life; Part 2 - Enhancing health; Part 3 - For the fun of life; Part 4 - Chemistry of the universe and earth, and Part 5 - Some negative effects of chemicals. The appendix gives a brief summary of what chemistry is all about, including a short chapter of chemical principles.

Provides fresh explanations, fascinating facts, and funny anecdotes about the serious science in the products we buy and the resources we use. Also, explains how things work, where marketing can be deceptive, and what risks you should really be concerned about.

Takes a critical look at how facts are misconstrued in the media. He debunks the myths surrounding canned food, artificial dyes, SPF, homeopathy, cancer, chemicals and much more.

Extraordinary scientific secrets hiding in everyday objects.  Helping readers increase chemistry knowledge, the book is perfect as a supplementary textbook or gift to curious professionals and novices. Addresses compounds that affect everyone in one way or another: poisons, pharmaceuticals, foods, and illicit drugs; thereby evoking a powerful emotional response which increases interest in the topic at hand.

Encourages us to look at chemistry anew, through a chemist's eyes, to understand its central concepts and to see how it contributes not only towards our material comfort, but also to human culture. Atkins shows how chemistry provides the infrastructure of our world, through the chemical industry, the fuels of heating, power generation, and transport, as well as the fabrics of our clothing and furnishings.