A well rounded introduction to the field of chemistry branches out from a historical introduction (alchemy and the four elements) to the rudiments of chemical study- change, the elements and their compounds in the world's make-up. Chapters on particular important materials include oil, steel, rubber, fibres and plastics. These a supplemented by thumbnail sketches on biochemistry and medical chemistry. Substantial, interestingly presented information, but we'd advise checking on method before recommending it to school use.