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Book Excerpts
Some Chemistry
In North America, the widespread perception of chemistry is one of fear and suspicion. The media have done little to change this view and are more likely to reinforce
it with innuendos and reports of problems caused by chemicals, from personal use to industrial accidents. Advertisements for products claiming to be "free of chemicals,"
and similar statements are commonplace. Instead, "natural" products, "organic" lotions and the like are offered as superior alternatives. Who knows what the alchemist
in the painting by C.P. Bega, shown in in the figure below, was concocting?
In some high school curricula, the teaching of chemistry is limited and not designed to generate interest in the subject. Many students forego learning any chemistry
altogether, and take courses perceived to be a lesser evil. As an unfortunate consequence, many bright politicians lack even the most rudimentary knowledge of the
field. The opposite is true as well. Few trained chemists ever enter politics or public life. One notable exception was Margaret Thatcher, a former Prime Minister
of England.
Compared to North America, in European and Asian countries the science of chemistry has a much greater public reputation. Chemistry is recognized as an important
component of an industrialized nation. The professional associations of chemists in these countries have political clout as well....
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