The Periodic‐Table—A Universal Icon: Its Birth 150 Years Ago, and Its Popularization Through Literature Art and Music. Issue 38 (12th August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shaik, Sason; Cremades, Eduard; Alvarez, Santiago
• Is Part Of: Angewandte Chemie international edition. Volume 58:Issue 38(2019)
• Page Start: 13194
• Page End: 13206
• Publication Date: 2019-08-12
• Subjects: history of chemistry -- Mendeleev -- Oliver Sacks -- periodic table -- Primo Levi; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1002/anie.201904584
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1433-7851

Abstract

Abstract: This Essay projects the spark of genius of Mendeleev, whose efforts led to the effective formulation of the periodic table, which has placed the entire world of chemical matter on a palm. The periodic table gave rise to a central paradigm, which did for chemistry what Newton had done for physics and Darwin for biology. Subsequently the Essay recounts the popularization of the Periodic Table through literature by Primo Levi, Oliver Sacks and others, and through music and art by composers and artists, such as Jerry Feldman, the King Crimson band, Tom Lehrer, and George Brecht, Blair Bradshaw, Eugènia Balcells, etc. Abstract : A story recounting Mendeleev's life, his founding of the periodic table, its impact on chemistry, and its universality through literature, with special attention to Primo Levi, pop and classical music, and plastic arts.