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The Alchemy of Us
328 pages, 2021
science & nature
1064 booksIn The Alchemy of Us, science writer Ainissa Ramirez examines eight inventions--clocks, steel rails, copper communication cables and photographic film; light bulbs; hard disks; scientific labware; silicon chips--and reveals how they shaped the human experience.
She tells the stories of their inventors and how their creations changed how we sleep; how commercialization of Christmas was influenced by the railroad and telegrams; how a chemist exposed apartheid passbooks created with Polaroid cameras; how Hemingway's writing style was influenced by brevity required in telegrams; and how precision timepieces changed our relationship to sleep. These fascinating stories offer new perspectives on our relationships with technology.
Ainissa Ramirez explores the power of science in our everyday lives. She shows us how science is not just a subject in school, but a tool we use daily. From the way we communicate to the way we cook, science is everywhere. You'll start seeing the world differently after reading this book.
Ramirez emphasizes the importance of curiosity. She encourages us to ask questions, to dig deeper, and to never stop learning. This book will inspire you to look at the world with a sense of wonder and to find joy in the process of discovery.
The Alchemy of Us shows us that failure is not the end, but a stepping stone to success. Ramirez shares stories of inventors who failed multiple times before they succeeded. This book will help you see failure in a new light and motivate you to keep going, no matter what.
Take a look at how inventions have shaped our society and our lives. Ramirez researches the history and impact of various inventions, from the light bulb to the smartphone. You'll gain a new appreciation for the technology we often take for granted.
Ramirez beautifully illustrates the intersection of science and art. She shows us that these two fields are not separate, but intertwined. This book will inspire you to see the beauty in science and the logic in art.