Chemistry

Book review: The Disappearing spoon by Sean Kean

Though the concept of a book written purely about the Periodic Table may sound less than appealing, Sam Kean successfully captures the intricacy and wondrous science behind chemistry’s greatest and most fundamental tool.

The disappearing spoon deepens readers understanding of the periodic table, whilst helping them visualise and absorb the knowledge through a conversational style of writing, a style filled with fun anecdotes and details that make even the most basic aspects of the periodic table feel alive and engaging. The book details the history behind the periodic table and its formation, going further than simply Mendeleev, reviewing topics (and people) too commonly brushed over or forgotten altogether.Kean describes the stories surrounding the discovery and uses of the elements. These stories range from theorising silicon-based life to using radioactive tags to trace the phosphorus in the DNA of viruses.

Kean’s writing depicts aspects of the A level curriculum, so reading this book was highly beneficial in simply broadening my awareness of certain chemical concepts (from electron orbitals to defining acids). I read this book over the summer between year 11 and year 12, a point to read it at that I feel worked well. Reading this book during the yr 11 summer would give readers an opportunity to identify areas of interest, which they then have time to research and pursue at their own pace.

This piece of brilliant non-fiction left me feeling fascinated by the elements interconnectedness (or the ‘periodicity’ the table shows), and how clearly the table emphasises this. That is, provided you know where to look; a skill taught to the reader by the author himself.

I encourage readers to go on and read this book, as well as research any of the brief topics I have referenced, especially periodicity!

Niamh Bewick (Y12)

Emma Stockton (Y12)