First Chapter of Disappearing Spoon Summary

         The first chapter of The Disappearing Spoon by Sam Kean emphasizes the true importance of the periodic table. Sam Kean describes the periodic table as a "map" which serves to show that chemistry, although incredibly difficult, can be decomposed to even the simplest of ideas. Kean also explains the groups in which the elements are placed and how they are so strikingly similar. The vertical columns (groups) to the farther right, are known as noble gases which are non-reactive. Alkaline metals, however, are extremely reactive. He goes on to talk about different elements and the many ways they were used without knowing their true nature. For example, antimony was used as laxatives before it was discovered to be slightly toxic. Gilbert Lewis, a famous scientist discovered how the atom's electrons work, specifically in acids and bases. Although he never won the noble peace prize his notable work is still recognized today.

         Kean spends much time talking about acids and its development. Acidity is measured using the pH scale with the lower numbers being stronger. He makes clear that although the strongest acids can only be listed with the strength of 1, there are have been many stronger acids which are not hydrogen based and some even have a pH of -18.  Kean also spoke about the electron shells in transition metals which they can apparently "hide". This makes transition metals very hard to tell from each other. Kean also explains the basic fundamentals of chemistry such as the fact that the number of protons in the nucleus tells the elements apart, elements with different numbers of neutrons are called isotopes, and elements can gain or lose electrons. Sam Kean ends his chapter detailing a female scientist  by the name of Maria Goeppert-Mayer who, although was rejected many times based on her gender, made many scientific discoveries and even won the Nobel Peace Prize. Kean's first chapter talks much about the scientific advancements and basic fundamentals of chemistry.