Notice: This is the official website of the All Empires History Community (Reg. 10 Feb 2002)

  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Register Register  Login Login

Chemical impact on history...
 Post Reply Post Reply
Author
  Share Topic Share Topic  Topic Search Topic Search  Topic Options Topic Options
pekau View Drop Down
Caliph
Caliph
Avatar
Atlantean Prophet

Joined: 08-Oct-2006
Location: Korea, South
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 3335 		  Quote pekau Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Chemical impact on history...
    Posted: 24-Jan-2008 at 17:28
I am currently reading a book called, Napoleon's Buttons: How 17 Molecules Changed History. Although its impact may be slightly exaggerated, it's fascinated to see how our history changed merely because of some chemicals and elements that we learn in basic science course. Any interesting discussions about how chemicals impacted the world would be appreciated. The ones that are not in the book will be most welcomed.
     
   
Join us.
Back to Top
Knights View Drop Down
Caliph
Caliph
Avatar
suspended

Joined: 23-Oct-2006
Location: AUSTRALIA
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 3224 		  Quote Knights Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26-Jan-2008 at 02:17
Well, I haven't read the book, so I don't know which ones aren't in there - but I'll mention some nonetheless.

- Radioactive elements like Plutonium and Uranium have had a profound impact on nuclear science and power.

- In terms of fuel, hydrocarbons have had a profound impact - alkanols and alcohols to be specific. Things like anes, enes and nols: meth, eth, prop, but, pent.etc.

- Polymers have been monumentally useful to mankind, used in everything from clothing to desalination pipes (carbon nanotubes). Plastics have revolutionised many industries.

- In addition to this, electrolyte chemicals have allowed for electrical and ionic movement in solution. This flow of electrons is important in many electrical goods nowadays.

- Precious metals have of course had an impact on aesthetics, but have also been used for other things (eg. gold, being malleable and an insulator, has many functions).

- I think it's safe too, to say that crude oil has had a rather significant impact on society. By fractionally distilling it, you can get a range of byproducts like petroleum, diesel, asphalt, tar and many more.

There are heaps more of course.

Regards,

- Knights -
Back to Top
Jams View Drop Down
Consul
Consul

Suspended

Joined: 06-Sep-2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 365 		  Quote Jams Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06-Mar-2008 at 20:26

So, what are those molecules? Alkanes? (as Knight mention) and why seventeen?

I suppose chemistry isn't just molecules, how about salts and metals, they're important too, no?
Back to Top
Guests View Drop Down
Guest
Guest
  Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13-Aug-2008 at 04:18
Don't forget gunpowder and how it changed the world.
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Bulletin Board Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 9.56a [Free Express Edition]
Copyright ©2001-2009 Web Wiz

This page was generated in 0.108 seconds.