ALL ABOUT THE ATOM

The atom's story from what it is to how it has been smashed is neatly simplified and clarified by Ira Freeman who has done other substantial non-fiction for young readers (see Fun With Your Camera and All About the of Chemistry). Topics discussed are history of thought about atomic structure from Greek philosophers to Einstein, atomic structure itself- with reference to rays, isotopes, fission action etc.- and the more recent scientific discoveries and the uses to which they have been put. The work of such scientistis as the Curies and especially Rutherford, who smashed the atom, is drawn on to illustrate points. Where there are gaps in knowledge to be bridged in simplification, it is done with firm connective phrases.