The first two elements in the poisoner’s corridor, cadmium and thallium, are potentially lethal to humans, as evidenced by both the itai itai cadmium poisoning epidemic, and CIA’s assassination plans using thallium. The last two elements in that corridor, thorium and americium, are radioactively poisonous.. Bismuth serves as a meeting point between these two types of killer elements. Yet, instead of being a chimera, and in more than one way harmful to humans, it is the opposite. This contrast between the helpful and malevolent neighbors on the periodic table only deepens the mystery of chemistry, and lures readers in further to marvel at the enigmatic elements. Throughout The Disappearing Spoon, Sam Kean tempts the reader with tales about the periodic table. The most interesting aspect of this novel was how it proves that elements can both create and destroy all matter. The elements are the most powerful and confounding force in the universe and humans are merely an awestruck audience in a cosmic performance. Prior to reading this novel, I did not appreciate the extent to which my life was impacted by the elements, their characteristics and their
The first two elements in the poisoner’s corridor, cadmium and thallium, are potentially lethal to humans, as evidenced by both the itai itai cadmium poisoning epidemic, and CIA’s assassination plans using thallium. The last two elements in that corridor, thorium and americium, are radioactively poisonous.. Bismuth serves as a meeting point between these two types of killer elements. Yet, instead of being a chimera, and in more than one way harmful to humans, it is the opposite. This contrast between the helpful and malevolent neighbors on the periodic table only deepens the mystery of chemistry, and lures readers in further to marvel at the enigmatic elements. Throughout The Disappearing Spoon, Sam Kean tempts the reader with tales about the periodic table. The most interesting aspect of this novel was how it proves that elements can both create and destroy all matter. The elements are the most powerful and confounding force in the universe and humans are merely an awestruck audience in a cosmic performance. Prior to reading this novel, I did not appreciate the extent to which my life was impacted by the elements, their characteristics and their