Become acquainted with the wonderful world of atoms and molecules in this guide written for readers who have little-to-no exposure to chemistry. The book provides an elementary introduction to chemistry or can be used as a good review of the subject and discusses topics including chemical reactions; the periodic table of the elements; nuclear processes; acids, bases, and salts; chemical bonding; environmental chemistry; and organic and biochemistry. The contributions of famous chemists are highlighted, along with interesting anecdotal information from their lives. Lavishly illustrated with photographs and other helpful graphics, it can be read through from cover-to-cover or used as a handy reference to look up information about individual topics.