Creative Chemistry is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to dive deeper into the world of chemistry. Edwin E. Slosson does a great job of breaking down complex concepts and making them easy for readers to understand. The book is well-organized and covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of chemical reactions to the more intricate processes involved in modern chemistry.

One of the things that sets this book apart is its focus on the creative aspects of chemistry. Slosson emphasizes the importance of experimentation and innovation in the field, encouraging readers to think outside the box and push the boundaries of what is known. This approach makes the book engaging and inspiring, and will likely resonate with anyone who has a passion for science and discovery.

Overall, I highly recommend Creative Chemistry to anyone interested in learning more about the fascinating world of chemistry. Whether you're a student looking to deepen your understanding of the subject or simply a curious reader eager to explore new ideas, this book is sure to provide valuable insights and a renewed appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.

Book Description:
Slosson reviews the transformation of alchemistry from an obscure and imprecise practice to the science of chemistry. Along the way, he explains how the modern industrial world now relies on fertilizers, explosives, textile materials, polymers and metals.

By exploring the properties of a once undervalued element, the high strength of vanadium steel made the Ford car possible. Another element, cerium, appears in butane lighters and was once seen as a threat to the match industry in France.

In his chapter on oils, Slosson reviews the development of hydrogenated oils, especially during WWII, in the search for a way to reuse otherwise discarded components of corn and cottonseed. Through the revolutionary reaction of hydrogenation, waste materials became a stable product that wouldn't spoil when packaged or carried without refrigeration. Once thought of as a miracle, shoppers were once willing to pay more for fully hydrogenated oils than their natural, unsaturated forms. Only in recent years has evidence of health risks checked their popularity and given them the image of cheap, unhealthy fillers.