Abstract
HERE is another of Mr. Gibson's wonderfulbooks for children. This time Mr. Gibson treats of the elements of chemistry, the conception of chemical constitution, combustion and respiration, electrolysis, spectroscopy, and “queer things“ such as radium and liquid air. The author has not lost his powers of stating scientific propositions in simple and attractive form without departing (except in quite minor details) from the strictest accuracy. We confess that we had thought modern children rather more sophisticated and apt to regard as ridiculous analogies drawn from nursery games; but in this matter we bow to Mr. Gibson's judgment. His success. in what he has set himself to do is beyond question; criticism, if any were offered, would concern rather his objects. But this is not the place to inquire whether it is really useful, or even harmless, to present the complex and highly theoretical conclusions of modern science without any seriodsattempt to present also the evidence onwhieh they are based.
Chemistry and its Mysteries: The Story of What Things are Made Of, Told in Simple Language.
Charles R.
Gibson
By. (Science for Children.) Pp. 246. (London: Seeley, Service, and Co., Ltd., 1920.) Price 4s. 6d. net.
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Chemistry and its Mysteries: The Story of What Things are Made Of, Told in Simple Language . Nature 105, 99 (1920). https://doi.org/10.1038/105099c0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/105099c0