In Molecules Gray goes beyond the 118 elements in the periodic table to explore, through fascinating stories and stunning photographic imagery, what he considers to be the most essential and interesting of the millions of possible chemical bonds. At the beginning of the Molecules Gray explains what molecules and compounds are, what holds them together and how they form bonds, the difference between ionic and covalent bonds, how molecules get their names and what their scientific names mean and the difference between organic and inorganic compounds. The book is then divided into chapters including Rocks, Minerals and Crystals; Ores; Plastics and Rubbers; Ropes, Yarns and Filaments; Edible Compounds; Perfumes, Stink Bombs and Other Aromatic Substances; Pigments and Paints; Goops and Oils; Soaps and Solvents; Medicines: Biblical Compounds (ie. frankincense, myrrh, and pitch); Compounds that Go 'Bang;' and Nasty Compounds You Don't Want to Meet.
