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Roald Hoffmann has written a delightful book about the fundamentals of
chemistry—in conversational, gently engaging style (Chemistry Imagined,
Smithsonian Institution Press, £15.50, ISBN 1 56098 539 9), now available
in paperback. But there is much more here: poetry, art, humour and history, as
we range from soap to lasers by way of the French Revolution. This is a unique
point of contact with a lively, civilised mind. Seize the chance to read it.
Vivian Torrence’s accompanying collages are intriguing.