Elemental: How the Periodic Table Can Now Explain (Nearly) Everything

“Elemental informs and entertains.” (Wall Street Journal)

Discover the hidden science behind everything around you with an entertaining guide to the periodic table that makes chemistry accessible, relevant, and surprisingly fun.

From the oxygen you breathe to the silicon powering your devices, every part of our world is built from the chemical elements. In Elemental, chemist and science educator Tim James transforms the periodic table from a classroom chart into a fascinating story about the building blocks of the universe.

Tracing the history of the elements from ancient philosophy to cutting-edge scientific discovery, James reveals how the periodic table evolved into one of humanity's greatest achievements. Along the way, he tackles intriguing questions about the world around us: What elements make up the human body? Could lead really be turned into gold? What are the rarest elements on Earth? And how do newly discovered elements expand our understanding of matter itself?

Packed with humor, quirky illustrations, memorable facts, and approachable explanations, Elemental makes complex scientific concepts easy to understand for curious readers of all backgrounds. Whether you're a lifelong science enthusiast, a student exploring chemistry for the first time, or a reader who enjoys popular science in the style of Bill Bryson, Mary Roach, or Randall Munroe, this engaging guide offers a fresh look at the extraordinary elements that shape our everyday lives.

Tim James is a chemist, science educator, and writer who specializes in making complex scientific ideas accessible to general audiences. Through engaging storytelling, humor, and clear explanations, he helps readers understand the chemistry that underpins everyday life. His work combines scientific accuracy with curiosity-driven exploration, encouraging readers to see the periodic table not as a collection of facts to memorize but as a powerful tool for understanding the world around us.