Napoleon's Buttons: How 17 Molecules Changed History

This is by far the most interesting book I've read this year (and is a definite contender for the "all-time" best, as well!) The premise of the book is "17 molecules that changed history." From cotton to caffeine, scopolamine to saponin, this book colorfully lays out both the chemical nature of these significant molecules, explaining how they function and WHY they work the way they do; it also illustrates the historical impact, going into great detail about how the course of history was heavily affected by the molecular properties of the topical substance. I find that when I'm learning something, the more connections I can form with an idea, the stronger my memory -- this book is a powerhouse in that regard; the knowledge of the structural nature of these compounds (at least the relevant functional groups, anyways) coupled with the historical relevance, creates memorable, almost mnemonic, impressions in my mind. For anyone that's a trivia buff, a science (particularly chemistry) or history afficionado, or just someone that loves to learn, I highly recommend this book.

The historical episodes are generally well known, although it's always nice to have a little refresher. The chemistry is likewise comfortably basic, and is often preceded by a short introduction for those readers who never took a high school introduction to chemistry class. The book offers a unique combination of chemical diagrams and information juxtaposed against significant historical episodes that have shaped our world today. Any reader will finish this book with one or two more historical anecdotes than they were equipped with when they began reading, and perhaps a better understanding of some of the chemical underpinnings of our world. I would especially recommend this book to young readers, to whom more of the information within would be novel.

I've always been a fan of "what-if" storylines and historical non-fiction, so when I was required to read this book for class, I wasn't entirely disappointed. Burreson and LeCouteur are not only capable scientific authors, but capable authors as well. Though they present technical drawings and scientific jargon, they mitigate these with simple and effectual text. They give the facts of how these molecules changed and accentuate the impact of these molecules by describing the consequences if these molecules hadn't been discovered or used. For those who are infrequent or sporadic readers, the division of the book made it easy and enjoyable to read for someone who usually only read in-between class periods. I found chapters easily digestible, full of historical and scientific information, and even found myself surprised when I had a fair knowledge of the topic at hand. What I enjoyed most about the book though, was the fact that almost every molecule is commonplace today. There's nothing so far from popular culture that everyday people won't understand. Sure, most people may not know all the scientific names of witch herbs, but everyone's heard of the witch trials. Other sections like "The Pill" show just how relevant some of these molecules really are. Even without scientific designation or more descriptive detail, almost everyone is aware of what "the pill" is even with such an innocuously vague name. All in all, you could do way worse for required reading or scientific literature.

I wish the authors could have taught my organic chemistry class, the one I failed (I repeated it later at another school and managed to pass, but never wanted to have anything to do with it again) and/or that this book could have been the text. Their selected topics are fascinating reading, as is their connecting molecules to human history. Some reviews have been negative about the structures, but that is the heart of organic chemistry, something I didn't understand until I read this book, and which they make so accessible and understandable (I did like biochemistry, perhaps because it seemed more applicable to me as a living example of the subject). And as a reader of lots of military history, I must say that nothing on Napoleon ever mentioned tin buttons. Anyway, buy it, read it, and enjoy it.

This book reminds me how ingenuous and destructive human beings can be. For examples, using naturally occuring pesticides (made by plants), human develops preservatives, antimalarials, and cardiac and respiratory medications. Meanwhile, due to the usefulness of and demands for spices, sugar, and addicted substances, humans beings exploit each other, culminating in the practice of slavery. So many chemicals have done good, but the same have done harm through folly and greed. These are all clearly delineated in this book. There are lots of historical and biographical facts. The chemistry of the substances described are touched upon in a very basic manner. No previous knowledge of chemistry is required. A fascinating book, if not at times depressing, on what human beings have achieved so far.

Sono rimasto piacevolmente sorpreso da come gli autori non abbiano lesinato sulle formule chimiche, ma abbiano deciso di renderle la chimica organica chiara e avvincente, immersa nella storia

Fantastically entertaining and informative book for anyone interested in organic chemistry and its impact on human experience. From exploding dresses to the impact of discoveries on traditional methods/ sourcing of naturally occurring chemicals like salt. We read it in a family book group, a couple if chapters a week, as my 90 year old father said he'd like to know more about organic chemistry. Yes. he is the epitomy of a very curious life long learner! While there are detailed diagrams along the way of molecular structures to explain why certain chemicals behave in certain ways you can choose how much or how little to engage with these. For me it was enough to have an overview of the structure that added to the fascination of understanding the impact it had on the way the chemical worked. Would highly recommend to anyone similarly curious about organic chemistry and wants to have some laughs along the way as well as revelations to another aspect of mankind's impact on our world, both good and bad.

For anybody with a knowledge of high school chemistry , the book is an excellent read

Scientific refresher.

Don't let the chemistry deter you! This is the chance to easily learn something about this science, brush up your general history and acquire a trove of little-known facts. A remarkably good standard of English makes reading of this book pleasurable as well as interesting.