The Elements by Theodore Gray

Theodore Gray's book  The Elements: A Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in the Universe , provides a humorously informative and visually interesting introduction to the known natural and man made elements on the periodic table.  Most elements have two to four pages packed with information about the elements usefulness, it's discovery and some health and safety information.

Sodium and other alkali metals are known to react strongly to water.  As part of my job, I've had to respond to the aftermath of this reaction.  The researcher in this case was safe but the lab was a mess.

I enjoyed his explanation of the relative amount of elements on the earth.  For example almost all of the helium on earth has originated from alpha particle radioactive decay of two protons and two neutrons. 

I have included a sample page from one of my favorite elements.  Even though Gallium's gray color fails to distinguish itself from many other metals, it has the unique property of melting just above room temperature.  This was the basis of Sam Kean's book, The Disappearing Spoon.

Sample page on Gallium - click to enlarge

 

Theodore Gray's 4 minute video on the book. It includes Tom Lehrer's song The Elements.