Chemistry - The Impure Science

” In this book Bensaude-Vincent and Simon offer up a refreshing and innovative introduction to the history and philosophy of chemistry, the like of which is not to be found anywhere in the extant literature … the authors locate chemistry squarely in the material and social worlds of its practices, and a sustained commitment to that contextualization gives their philosophical discourse a distinctive flavour.

This book is not only an exciting addition to the literature in the history and philosophy of chemistry, but a great contribution to the philosophy and history of science and technology in general.”– Hasok Chang, Hans Rausing Professor of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Cambridge

“In clear and simple prose the authors provide a richly historically-informed interpretation of the philosophy of chemistry for student and scholar alike. Underlying the whole book such apparent contradictions as the tension between beneficial claims and environmental criticisms are treated as fruitful sources of insight for a new perspective on science.”– Dr Robert Bud, Keeper of Science and Medicine, The Science Museum, London

“In conclusion, I recommend Chemistry: The Impure Science to the readers of Annals of Science. The authors propose a philosophy of chemistry in a reading of the history of chemistry in a fascinating way.” —Annals of Science

In clear and simple prose the authors provide a richly historically-informed interpretation of the philosophy of chemistry for student and scholar alike. Underlying the whole book such apparent contradictions as the tension between beneficial claims and environmental criticisms are treated as fruitful sources of insight for a new perspective on science. –Dr Robert Bud Keeper of Science and Medicine The Science Museum, London

“In conclusion, I recommend Chemistry: The Impure Science to the readers of Annals of Science. The authors propose a philosophy of chemistry in a reading of the history of chemistry in a fascinating way.” — Annals of Science,

“It should find a wide readership among college and university students of both chemistry and philosophy.” Foundations of Chemistry

“It is an interesting and informative book with the expected emphasis on the philosophical side. Having enjoyed reading it, I recommend it to chemical libraries and to individuals with a taste for history and philosophy of chemistry.” —Current Science