Chemistry is somewhat misunderstood as a Science. Its brilliant achievements have greatly contributed to the improvement of our quality of life from a material standpoint. Yet, the spotlight of publicity usually highlights some unpleasant aspects of it, which are sometimes due to our own negligence and at other times to the pursuit of easy profit.

The Essence of Chemistry presents a panorama of Chemistry in as simple a language as possible, with all sorts of interesting references, from antiquity up to 1992. It attempts to give a spiritual dimension to this predominantly material Science. It emphasizes its good sides, without ignoring the bad ones.

It is aimed at a wide audience, particularly students, with the author's belief that after reading it, they will see Chemistry with new eyes.

[Excerpt from the text on the back cover of the edition]