Caveman chemistry
Kevin M. Dunn
Parkland, Florida: Universal 2003 | Pp424 | 23.95 | ISBN1 581 12566 6
Reviewed by Colin Baker

Kevin Dunn is the Elliott professor of chemistry at Hampden-Sydney College, Virginia, US where he teaches the course which is the inspiration for this book. Although aimed at the US undergraduate market, the book could be used in UK secondary schools and it may even inspire non-chemists to attempt some practical science.

The book begins with a practical guide to making fire and stone tools – hence the title Caveman chemistry. The level of practical detail should enable most beginners to achieve a successful outcome, though I would have preferred better diagrams than the black and white pictures.

I found Dunn’s attempt to hold the reader’s attention sometimes fascinating and sometimes irritating. He combines literary themes with scientific ones and historic ideas with modern descriptions – all very interesting. Where the book loses its appeal for me is in the use of a stream-of-consciousness approach, in which the author quotes diverse sources from The Bible to seemingly unfathomable ancient alchemy texts.

The book attempts to introduce novel teaching strategies to such topics as unit factor analysis and stoichiometry by the use of poetry, anecdote and mnemonics. This may appeal to some readers but can distract from the main message of the development of chemistry, from the creation of fire to the production of plastics. The text is an experimental exploration of chemical technology, which is written to enable the reader to recreate them. Clear instructions are given for 28 projects, which include how to make bronze from metal ores; glass from sand, ashes, and limestone; paper from grass or straw; soap from fat; alcohol from honey; photographs from egg whites; chlorine from salt water; and celluloid from cotton.

At the end of the book there are several useful additions. The sections on how to use and record information in a laboratory notebook, measuring and mixing, and supplies and suppliers are a worthwhile resource. There is a useful index which cross-references most of the chapters. This book is most likely to be used as a library resource. At £23.95 it is reasonably priced.