ABSTRACT

Of the 90 chemical elements that occur in nature, only a dozen are found in easily measurable amounts in the human body. The rest are trace elements, present at such low concentrations that most of them were, until quite recently, beyond the reach of detection. The Crumbs of Creation reviews the absorbing story of trace elements in medicine, history, industry, crime, and folklore, showing how the study of their properties can help us survive through a better understanding and control of our environment. Written in an easy-to-read, entertaining style, the book consists of interrelated anecdotes grouped together in relevant chapters. Although readers will derive much entertainment from this book, there is an underlying seriousness to the topics.

chapter Chapter 1|19 pages

Hair and History

chapter Chapter 2|24 pages

All Flesh is Grass

chapter Chapter 3|32 pages

The Inner Man

chapter Chapter 4|19 pages

Mercury and Venus

chapter Chapter 5|13 pages

Our Daily Lead

chapter Chapter 6|16 pages

Death in the Pot

chapter Chapter 7|20 pages

The Chemist in the Witness Box

chapter |2 pages

Postscript: Sweeping up the Crumbs