You know that you need oxygen to breathe, that neon can glow and chrome shines?
But did you know that your cell phone contains arsenic, your spectacles contain rhodium and that the tin pest is not a disease?
And can you name just three researchers whom we have to thank for all these results?

Here, Professor Quadbeck-Seeger, a long-serving member of the board at BASF, goes in search of these and other questions.
Based on the periodic table, the key reference source for any natural scientist, he explains the criteria that define an element's position in the table and are responsible for its particular characteristics. In a clear and concise manner, he describes for each element the story behind its discovery, its physical and chemical properties as well as its role in our everyday lives.
Enriched by a wealth of interesting details, this beautifully designed book in full color represents not only varied reading, but also a treasure trove of surprising facts.

The most readable account available of the life of Tiberius, the second Roman emperor.
Argues that Tiberius’ character provides the key to understanding his reign.
Portrays Tiberius as a man whose virtues and beliefs were corrupted by power.
Shows how Tiberius’ fears of conspiracy and assassination caused him to lose his grasp of reality.
A new afterword discusses important new evidence that has come to light on the reign of Tiberius.

This book introduces students to the best recent writings on the Scientific Revolution of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
It covers a wide range of topics including astronomy, science and religion, natural philosophy, technology, medicine and alchemy.