P. W. Atkins, a brilliant scientist, invites us on an exciting journey to the heart of matter, to the Periodic Kingdom, to the world of chemical elements.

The periodic table, our map on this journey, represents the most important concept in chemistry. It is hung on the wall of every classroom and every laboratory in the world, providing valuable information to students while pointing out new avenues of research for professional chemists - it truly is a summary of all chemistry.

The approximately one hundred and one elements recorded in it constitute everything that exists in the universe, from microscopic organisms to distant planets.

The reader of this book has the opportunity to explore a rich realm of imagination, a kingdom whose manifestation is our very own world.

[Excerpt from the publisher's or edition's presentation text]