This text provides a non-mathematical descriptive approach to key concepts and contemporary topics in the sciences. Chapters on chemical bonding, biochemistry, cancer and the atmosphere are interspersed with such chapters as The Alchemist's Dream, Newsworthy Molecules and Wall Street Chemistry. The book employs a historical story-line through the text. For example, the Hindenberg serves to amplify the subtle, yet catastrophic, differences between helium and hydrogen.