Chemistry: The Impure Science (2nd Edition)

What do you associate with chemistry? Explosions, innovative materials, plastics, pollution? The public's confused and contradictory conception of chemistry as basic science, industrial producer and polluter contributes to what we present in this book as chemistry's image as an impure science. Historically, chemistry has always been viewed as impure both in terms of its academic status and its role in transforming modern society. While exploring the history of this science we argue for a characteristic philosophical approach that distinguishes chemistry from physics. This reflection leads us to a philosophical stance that we characterise as operational realism. In this new expanded edition we delve deeper into the questions of properties and potentials that are so important for this philosophy that is based on the manipulation of matter rather than the construction of theories.

Table of Contents:
Introduction: Chemistry and Its Discontents; Chemistry and Pollution; The Damnation of the Alchemist; The Space of the Laboratory; Proof in the Laboratory; Chemistry Creates Its Object; A Duel between Two Conceptions of Matter; Chemistry versus Physics; Atoms or Elements; Positivism and Chemistry; Atoms as Fictions; Agency and Relations; Taming the Nanoworld; Towards a Responsible Chemistry.

Review :
We can learn a great deal that has hitherto remained hidden not just about chemistry of the past, but about its promise and perils for the future. This is a book that will instruct and enlighten not just historians and philosophers of science, but also chemists (both in training and in practice). -- Alan J. Rocke "Distinguished University Professor of History, Case Western Reserve University" In clear and simple prose the authors provide a richly historically-informed interpretation of the philosophy of chemistry for student and scholar alike. Underlying the whole book such apparent contradictions as the tension between beneficial claims and environmental criticisms are treated as fruitful sources of insight for a new perspective on sci -- Dr Robert Bud "Keeper of Science and Medicine, The Science Museum, London" This book is not only an exciting addition to the literature in the history and philosophy of chemistry, but a great contribution to the philosophy and history of science and technology in general. -- Hasok Chang "Hans Rausing Professor of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Cambridge"