The Chemical History of a Candle

ISBN-13: 9780486425429 / Angielski / Miękka / 2003 / 240 str.

Michael Faraday

Opis

One of the greatest experimental scientists of all time, Michael Faraday (1791-1867) developed the first electric motor, electric generator, and dynamo -- essentially creating the science of electrochemistry. This book, the result of six lectures he delivered to young students at London's Royal Institution, concerns another form of energy -- candlelight.
Faraday titled the lectures -The Chemical History of a Candle, - choosing the subject because, as he explained, -There is not a law under which any part of this universe is governed which does not come into play and is not touched upon during the time a candle burns].-
That statement is the foundation for a book that describes, with great clarity, the components, function and weight of the atmosphere; the function of a candle wick; capillary attraction; the carbon content in oxygen and living bodies; the production of carbon dioxide from coal gas and sugar; the properties of carbonic acid; respiration and its analogy to the burning of a candle; and much more. There is also a chapter comprising Faraday's -Lecture on Platinum.-
A useful classroom teaching tool, this classic text will also appeal to a wide audience interested in scientific inquiry.