Chemistry, Society and Environment. A new history of the British chemical industry

Notes:

Collection of essays written to analyse 'the effects of the chemical industry on society in general' with issues ranging from conditions of employment of chemical workers in 19th century to 'transformation of civilised life in 20th century'. Sponsored by the Royal Society of Chemistry. Especially concerned with environmental issues - 'The current environmental crisis can only be fully understood in the light of its history. This is the first book to look critically at the whole development of industrial chemistry in the UK in the context of its effects on the environment'. Essentially a history of products and processes with a strong tendency to presuppose technical knowledge of chemistry. Chapters include: N G Coley, 'Shape of the British chemical industry' [pp13-42] in terms of materials processed and products made; N G Coley, 'Origins of the British chemical industry' [pp43-73] - also re materials and processes; N G Coley, 'The British pharmaceutical industry' [pp133-56]; N G Coley & S A H Wilmot, 'Chemical industry and the quality of life' [pp319-49] - environmental issues and consumer benefits; C A Russell & S A H Wilmot, 'Metal extraction and refining ferrous and non ferrous' [pp271-318]; W A Campbell, 'The alkali industry' [pp75-1206]; 'Nitrogen industry' [pp107-32]; 'Age pf polymers and petrochemicals' [pp239-69'; etc. In places reads more like a history of products and processes when quite light on environmental impact