Kassinger, Ruth

"Reveals the origins of life in algae and profiles the multibillion-dollar algae industry, discussing the work of innovators, farmers, and scientists currently using algae to solve urgent energy problems"--OCLC.

"In the tradition of The Botany of Desire and Wicked Plants, the author of Paradise Under Glass gives us a witty and engaging history of the first botanists interwoven with stories of today's extraordinary plants found in the garden and the lab"--.

Traces the history and science of gold, discussing how it has been used from ancient times to the present and how it has impacted world civilizations.

Explains the history and science behind twenty-four classic inventions such as the potter's wheel, tempera paint, the thermometer, the geodesic dome, and the battery; and includes simple instructions for recreating these items.

Describes the physical composition and characteristics of glass, and presents glassmaking techniques and the various uses made of glass throughout history.

Recounts the history of the census in the United States from the eighteenth century to the present and describes the methods used to take it and how they have changed.

Explains how dyes were developed, how they have been used throughout history and discusses the history and folklore surrounding different colors.

Examines the discovery of pottery and ceramics and their uses throughout history, gives a scientific explanation of the properties of clay, and looks at how ceramics are used in modern technology.

A discussion of iron and steel which includes a scientific description of these metals, their discovery, and their uses throughout history and in the present. Includes a timeline.