Crystals have fascinated us for centuries with their beauty and symmetry, and have often been invested with magical powers. The use of X-ray diffraction, first pioneered in 1912 by father and son William and Lawrence Bragg, enabled us to probe the structure of molecules, and heralded the scientific study of crystals, leading to an understanding of their atomic arrangements at a fundamental level. The new discipline, called X-ray crystallography, has subsequently evolved into a formidable science that underpins many other scientific areas. Starting from the determination of the structures of very simple crystals, such as that of common salt, today it has become almost routine to determine the positions of tens of thousands of atoms in a crystal. In this Very Short Introduction Mike Glazer shows how the discoveries in crystallography have been applied to the creation of new and important materials, to drugs and pharmaceuticals and to our understanding of genetics, cell biology, proteins, and viruses. Tracing the history of crystallography, he analyses astonishing developments in new sources of X-rays, as well as of neutrons, and in electron microscopy, and considers the impact they have on the study of crystals today. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
Write a Review
Write a Review
Crystallography 9780198717591 Paperback
There are no reviews for this product yet - be the first
- Authors:
- Glazer, A. M. (Emeritus Professor of Physics Oxford, Emeritus Fellow of Jesus College Oxford, Visiting Professor University of Warwick)
- Country of Publication:
- United Kingdom
- Format:
- Paperback
- ISBN:
- 9780198717591
- Illustrations Note:
- 41 black and white halftones and diagrams
- Number of Pages:
- 176
- Publication Date:
- 24/03/2016
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- Series:
- Very Short Introductions
- Year Published:
- 2016
- Place of Publication:
- Oxford
- Language:
- English
- Imprint:
- Oxford University Press
- SKU:
- 9780198717591