(Part 2) Best general chemistry books according to redditors
We found 286 Reddit comments discussing the best general chemistry books. We ranked the 160 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
Excellent choice of Sci-Fi, sir. I love that the only post-millenium Sci-Fi book you have is the excellent Old Man's War.
A very good chemistry introduction is Stories of the Invisible. And if you want more of a practical view of chemistry, Faraday's A Chemical History of a Candle is excellent. Chemistry is my favorite science.
A fun set of videos looking into science topics is put on by Destin of Smarter Every Day. Khan Academy may be up your alley, as well. So many fun and amazing things await you out there. You are going to have loads of fun.
On a personal note, I am a trained chemist and a Bible-believing Christian that doesn't believe in a literal 6 day creation or an 8,000 year old Earth. Science does not have to exclude the existence of God. Science is an excellent tool in finding out how He created it, but it does not tell why He did. I love Science and what it shows us about our world and Universe but I believe it can only take you so far. Francis Collins, the current head of the NIH and the former head of the Human Genome Project, gave a great interview with NPR on Science and Religion (specifically Christianity).
For pleasure:
Undergraduate
Organic Chemistry as a Second Language, The art of writing reasonable organic reaction mechanisms
Graduate
Based on your post, I think you need more knowledge of biology and chemistry before you can really approach pharmacology. Gotta walk before you can run, if you will. But you're taking organic this year and hopefully biochem and a biology class next year so that will come with time.
If you're really excited about PK though, check out this youtube primer on the subject (~30min total). I also suggest checking out Derek Lowe's blog (/u/dblowe) In the Pipeline. There are over a decade of posts and especially since it's become associated with Science Translational Medicine, he does a great job introducing topics for those not directly in the field. He's made 73 posts tagged PK, and it may also give you insight about what your future career will be like and controversies in medicinal chemistry.
My undergrad med chem professor sadly passed away shortly before the course began, so I bought Richard Silverman's "The Organic Chemistry of Drug Design and Drug Action." Amazon has the 2nd edition (the one I have) for $13 and you may enjoy flipping through it when you take organic. However, it's a pretty advanced book (probably for folks who have already taken a med chem class) so you can also consider the legend EJ Corey's short book "Molecules and Medicine" or Patrick (the standard med chem textbook) if you want to see medicinal applications of organic while you take the course.
I use An Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry by Patrick Graham when I teach my Medicinal Chemistry course. https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0199697396
There's also a good free online EdX Med Chem course you could check out. https://www.edx.org/course/medicinal-chemistry-molecular-basis-drug-davidsonx-d001x-2
http://www.amazon.com/Holt-Modern-Chemistry-Student-Edition/dp/0030367867
Okay then? Here you go.
This isn't a controversial opinion. Its science you learn in second grade. Below the atomic level, all that exists is independent particles (Or some other things like strings or abstractions if you want to interpret it differently). And substances as we know them are only arrangements of these. There is no fundamental "essence" of wine beyond that its an arrangement of things that look like what we call wine. The appearance as you call it is all that there is that you can adequately refer to as wine. So what makes up the wine is still as much "wine" as it ever was, as long as that accident remains. You can't say it stopped being wine, since you're implying another aspect that was never there in the first place. This isn't a science vs philosophy issue. Its a science and philosophy vs insisting that there's some other thing there that there's no reason for there to be issue.
That's only one half. The second half is that "flesh" "of Jesus" is ill defined. Flesh is also an emergent appearance of more fundamental particles. So right away, insisting that you mean something other than that means that you're not referring to flesh as it is meant by humans, which means strict insistence on that word is a bit mistaken. Since the argument relies on assuming some form of underlying substance that doesn't exist in any physical sense. So right off the bat you can't say that it ever stopped being bread or wine, and you can't say that insisting on usage of the word flesh as if that concludes the issue in place of explaining how one is defining it should be an exhaustive interpretation. So while something can be happening in some esoteric way, the insistence on language that can't be true in the literal way that is meant by the actual use of the words implies that the words were simply decided on before people knew this.
For anyone interested in phosphorus this book is worth a read. Its only short but a nice general overview of the modern usage history of the element. http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Shocking-History-Phosphorus-Biography/dp/0330390058
Grad student here (bachelors in physics with a minor in math, now doing computational chemistry).
TL;DR: Learn as much maths as possible.
There are physicists who hate when people say "physics is applied maths," but I'm not one of them.
It is.
9 times out of 10 when I tutor people, or would help my fellow classmates out with problems, the problem was a lapse in an understanding or correct application of the maths. The only thing left after you subtract maths from physics are experiments, intuition, and foundational concepts. The foundational concepts are not that hard to wrap your head around, if you don't fight them; intuition is almost always wrong at first, and just takes experience to build; experiments just need to be designed well.
The real machinery behind physics is maths, and it will always be better to know more maths than you need than to know less. If you are part of the lucky few who have a passion for pure maths, embrace it. You'll stand out. Many I graduated with resented having to learn more maths than they felt was "necessary".
I may be biased here, but I think the lack of insistence on robust and comprehensive maths education in physics curricula across the US is akin to intellectual malnourishment. The fact that some physics majors exit elite universities without having taken a class in, say, abstract algebra/group theory, real/complex analysis, or Fourier theory is mind-blowing. I don't know what physics they think they're preparing their students for, but it isn't 21st century physics.
Let me provide an example of the sort of thing I'm talking about: one way of constructing the foundation of Thermodynamics (the one laid out in Callen), is to put forward a few very simple and broadly applicable postulates:
(1) There exist particular states (called equilibrium states) of simple systems that, macroscopically, are characterized completely by the internal energy U, the volume V, and the mole numbers N_1, N_2, ..., N_r of the chemical components.
(2) There exists a function (called the entropy S) of the extensive parameters of any composite system, defined for all equilibrium states and having the following property: The values assumed by the extensive parameters in the absence of constraint are those that maximize the entropy over the manifold of constrained equilibrium states.
(3) The entropy of a composite system is additive over the constituent subsystems. The entropy is continuous and differentiable and is a monotonically increasing function of the energy.
(4) The entropy of any system vanishes in the state for which (\partial U/ \partial S)_V,N = 0 (that is, at the zero of temperature).
With these four axioms, and a whole lot of maths cleverness, all of thermodynamics falls out. Everything. In fact, if you buy this book and study it (something I highly recommend), you'll be surprised to find that the exact formula for entropy that you are no doubt familiar with (S = k log(Omega)) is not even discussed until one of the very last chapters of the book, when Thermostatistics comes in to view. Macrostates and Microstates are not discussed. These postulates are viewed simply mathematically, and just happen to apply beautifully to an almost unbelievably wide array of systems, systems you might not even guess fall under the purview of thermodynamics. Studying the theory mathematically, from a simply axiomatic, rigorous point of view actually makes you a more** powerful physicist.
I actually had the same question, and it turns out there is a general chemistry as a second language. It's not talked about much around here and it only seems to go over first semester stuff so I don't know how good it is.
I'd probably recommend a popular science book over important works. Standing on the shoulders of giants sort of thing. Usually the actual original source is a bit dull and specific compared to the story with context.
Molecules that Changed the World by K. C. Nikolau is a good start.
Theodore Gray has three books (Elements, Molecules, and Reactions) that are well-written and illustrated. See https://www.amazon.com/Elements-Visual-Exploration-Every-Universe/dp/1579128149
Well, my chemistry textbook was $250 new when the course started (It's dropped to slightly over $200 now...
http://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Principles-Peter-Atkins/dp/1429288973/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464979066&sr=8-1&keywords=chemical+principles+the+quest+for+insight
Buy a revision guide.
This is the one I bought for HL
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chemistry-Diploma-Exam-Preparation-Guide/dp/1107495806/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1456745322&sr=8-2&keywords=IB+Chemistry+Revision+guide+2016
I basically was the same as you. I got straight A's pre-IB, but when I started the Chemistry HL course, I died. I wasn't able to grasp simple concepts (it took me months and months to understand moles lmao), but with this revision guide, I was able to bring up my grade from a failing 2 to a 4. It basically saved my diploma. Make revision notes using this book, and then make them into flashcards.
I also stuck up important concepts, equations and definitions around my room. Memorising the synthetic routes map is also very important to do. Make your own, stick it up on your wall, and read aloud the routes to yourself every day. Trust me, it will stick in your brain.
Good luck, you got this
Are you local to your college or near it? Go browse through the library in the chemistry section and look for related materials/textbooks. They'll often have the same textbook from a year or two ago (so a few editions out of date) and they'll be good on concepts and the like.
Also just look for books that are useful and informative. I found a guide for the perplexed organic experimentalist in the library and it had a TON of great tips for organic synthesis that was never covered in any lab manual or textbook. And it was a fun read.
Browse the library, it has a TON of interesting resources that I wouldn't even begin to think to look for. The library saves my ass in research all the time because I'll track down a book that I didn't even know existed.
Hi.
Frankly, jumping right into inorganic without a background really will be difficult. Inorganic chemistry isn't general chemistry. Why is it that your first course is inorganic? Why not general chem?
Without an adequate background, it's unrealistic that you'll do well.
Have you considered taking different classes other than chem for a semester and getting a tutor to walk you through the basics?
There are a few "idiot's guides" to general chemistry.
http://amzn.com/1592571018
I really like the "... as a second language books."
http://amzn.com/0471716626
Stuff Matters by Mark Miodownik is a nice way of looking at chemistry from a materials standpoint and isn't completely bogged down in diagrams of formulas.
The Chemists' War: 1914-1918 by Martin Freemantle shows how chemistry changed warfare forever and is published by the Royal Society of Chemistry
The very short introduction to the elements and the very short introduction to molecules by Philip Ball are interesting reads that will provide a good basis of where to develop your understanding.
Chemistry is a very broad discipline so i wouldn't say this list is exhaustive.
You might want to investigate physical chemistry if you're into thermodynamics, or organic chemistry if you like lipids and plastics, pharmaceuticals if you want to be useful, and then there is inorganic chemistry if you don't.
I hope you find something that resonates with you.
I suggest you go ahead and read Joys of Chemistry(along with this month's book). I wish someone would have showed me this book when I was in school. Better late than never.
You're very welcome! I'm glad you liked it! It's called Periodic Thoughts (link goes to the product page on Amazon - it's currently $7.86 for a set of 30).
Why don't you rent it from amazon?
https://www.amazon.com/Chemistry-Central-Science-Theodore-Brown/dp/0321910419
You might want to read an introductory chemistry textbook. Here's the amazon page for the newest edition of the chemistry book I used. While many people don't like textbook reading, it is often times better than trying to learn things from online resources as it presented in an organized fashion to help you develop conceptual understanding of the topics. You don't need to buy the books necessarily (although that will support the authors!), there are places online where you can find books, like popular bays.
After developing a good conceptual understanding of ordinary chemistry, you should try an organic chemistry book, which will help in understanding (semi)systematic names, like 4-HO-DMT (although "tryptamine" isn't a systematic name). Systematic names are used because there are basically a limitless number of carbon compounds (aka organic compounds) which can be synthesized, so naming them with a system of rules makes it easier to share with other chemists (or those who understand systematic naming).
tldr textbooks
Joy of Chemistry by Cathy Cobb is a great primer.
https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Chemistry-Amazing-Science-Familiar/dp/1591027713/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1472746012&sr=8-1&keywords=Joy+of+Chemistry
Uncle Tungsten by Oliver Sacks is a great read if you want to geek out on chemistry among a bunch of factoids (as opposed to a cohesive pedagogy)
I've never had the willpower to just sit there and read a college textbook. Textbooks are really meant to accompany lecture and lab instruction.
yay! and I got it on Amazon! :)
That's not a real book title. Do you mean this one?
https://smile.amazon.com/Chemistry-Introduction-General-Organic-Biological-ebook-dp-B06XCS6SR6/dp/B06XCS6SR6/
If not, you need to provide the full correct title and author, or the ISBN...
As the book was written in 1861, it is in the public domain which means you can get it for free electronically.
Scans of old different old editions: https://archive.org/search.php?query=The%20Chemical%20History%20of%20a%20Candle
E-Book (epub, html, mobi): http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/14474
Amazon Kindle: https://www.[direct link bans this post].com/Chemical-History-Candle-Michael-Faraday-ebook/dp/B00846ZKHK/
Info on the book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Chemical_History_of_a_Candle
Best combination of all time
But really, any good couple's broadway song is good for karaoke - I like Last Night of the World from Miss Saigon.
https://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Principles-Peter-Atkins/dp/1429288973/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
Personally, I really like the Cambridge University Press ones, like this one for Chemistry. I only have them for Chemistry and Physics but they're much better than the Oxford ones in my opinion. I also like it because my school use the Oxford IB Diploma Programme Textbooks to teach the course in the first place, and having a study guide with a different brand to the textbook has been really useful for me to find extra examples of questions or different ways of explaining topics that I may not have wholly understood in the main textbook.
For Geography, I use this study guide, though I don't really know if it's the best one because we got lent them by the school. I think it's pretty good, but maybe there is a better one out there.
I don't think you really need them for the other subjects - you can always buy individual study guides for the books you study for English or, if you have to buy the books themselves, try and get the 'Methuen Student Edition' because it has lots of information at the beginning of the book. For French, you could buy a vocabulary book like this or a grammar book, like this, but there's loads on the internet anyway so I wouldn't worry about it too much.
And for Maths, I don't think a study guide will be that useful, as I think the main thing is practice, practice, practice!
Oh, and maybe hold off on buying anything just yet (especially for Chemistry and Physics) - the IB really like messing around with the syllabus and it won't be that useful to have an outdated version of a study guide
I really liked Callen.
This was the one I used--so, not too expensive, as you can see. I found it useful just to give me an idea of what topics were covered, but always referred to textbooks when actually studying the material. I found it to be pretty useful, actually, but not quite the same way the publisher's meant it to be.
https://www.amazon.com/Cracking-Chemistry-Subject-Graduate-Preparation/dp/0375764895
There are dozens of these types of books on Amazon.
Go to the used section. They are literally one cent (plus $3.99 for shipping)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/037542797X/ref=dp_olp_all_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=all
Can't add anything, but if you haven't looked at the reviews on Amazon you might want to.
Periodic Tales is the only actual title that immediately comes to mind, I might be able to find some more if I dig through some boxes back home (currently moving houses, so everything's preemptively boxed up). Another one was called something like 'An explosive history of Phosphorus', but it's been out of print for years and I had to hunt for a library with it.
EDIT: Found it!
I prepare for my medical classes using those books:
Campbell Biology (10th Edition), truly an amazing piece of work would really encourage reading it, clear explination of concepts that people seem to forget when they progress further into the subjects
Chemistry: The Central Science (13th Edition), perfect referal in case you forget vital concepts of chemistry, works out well but fails in the orgainc chemisty
And for further reference we need to also buy even though some of the fact are outdated Organic Chemistry with Mastering Chemistry and Solution Manual (8th Edition), I found that this has a really sturdy and "enjoyable" methods(yes I enjoy what I study), and this is just half of it.
Now personally I have a "side job" that is paying me off really well and I couldn't even complain about it, but for most students they need even more books for "reference", education should be for free, I personally will not lie and straight out tell you that I upload these books on several websites, some in my session rely on much older books to study. I do support the fact that people should be rewarded for their efforts, yet not take it out on people, I really think the governments should fund & pay them instead.
Civil engineering to shipbuilding: Structures and The new science of strong materials, by J.E. Gordon. These are incredibly enlightening.
Physics (also some chemistry and biology): It Must Be Beautiful: Great Equations of Modern Science is a collection of essays by great scientists - among others, it contains a very insightful discussion on the birth of the Schroedinger equation, which is rather different from the usual stories of cats in boxes, chicken crossing the road, gods playing dice, and the like.
Chemistry: The Elements: A Very Short Introduction, by Philip Ball.
Biochemistry: Chance and necessity, by Jacques Monod. Seems it's out of print, I guess my knowledge of the field is a bit out-of-date. There must be some other book out there that explains elegantly protein folding and enzymatic regulation, which are the base mechanisms of living matter.
SELLING Atoms First Except it's paperback
SELLING Calculus: Early Transcendentals
i want a sample for the bank test of https://www.amazon.com/Modern-Chemistry-RINEHART-WINSTON-HOLT/dp/0030367867/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487973028&sr=8-1&keywords=modern+chemistry and a sample for https://www.amazon.com/Holt-Physics-RINEHART-WINSTON-HOLT/dp/0030368162/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487973020&sr=8-1&keywords=holt+physics
send me a sample for both books from chapter 13 and above so i can check if its the correct bank test that school uses.