Chemical sciences in the modern world

the long version

It would be difficult to overestimate the importance of the chemical sciences to the modern world. In the last 150 years, they have transformed our physical environment, our material culture, our manner of living, and even our persons - and they are continuing to do so in profound ways. Yet the detailed and systematic study of the history of the modern chemical sciences has been relatively late in coming. This compilation of essays by leading scholars represents the first fruits of modern historical scholarship. The essays vary in form and content; some represent detailed, original research; others are cast as synoptic blueprints for future research in major domains of scholarship; still others are provocative reflections on the opportunities and challenges facing historians of chemical sciences and industries and their audiences.