Derek Lowe, an Arkansan by birth, got his BA from Hendrix College and his PhD in organic chemistry from Duke before spending time in Germany on a Humboldt Fellowship on his post-doc. He's worked for several major pharmaceutical companies since 1989 on drug discovery projects against schizophrenia, Alzheimer's, diabetes, osteoporosis and other diseases.
To contact Derek email him directly: derekb.lowe@gmail.com
Twitter: Dereklowe
1. patentgeek on November 27, 2012 1:07 PM writes...
I wish I could recommend the book that got me started on chemistry in junior high (T.L. Davis' "The Chemistry of Powder and Explosives"), but the times they have changed, to put it mildly. My dog-eared and stained (with antimony sulfide and 400 mesh aluminum, among much else) copy sits in a permanent place of honor in my bookshelves.
3. Bob Weiss on November 27, 2012 1:50 PM writes...
Here's another one that I remember from my childhood that would raise LOTS of red flags nowadays. Was supposedly banned from most school libraries, due to the hazardous nature of some of the experiments (making chlorine and hydrogen sulfide, anyone?).
before, and I'd like to do so again as a science gift for anyone you know that would like to see what real chemistry is like (interested and capable middle- and high-school students are a particularly good audience). And I'm glad to report that Thompson has added to the series: you can now get his 
and 
, both of which also get excellent reviews. Other good resources in this area would be 
and its companion 
. Enjoy!
1. patentgeek on November 27, 2012 1:07 PM writes...
I wish I could recommend the book that got me started on chemistry in junior high (T.L. Davis' "The Chemistry of Powder and Explosives"), but the times they have changed, to put it mildly. My dog-eared and stained (with antimony sulfide and 400 mesh aluminum, among much else) copy sits in a permanent place of honor in my bookshelves.
Permalink to Comment2. InPrison on November 27, 2012 1:48 PM writes...
And then get a visit from Homeland Security
Permalink to Comment3. Bob Weiss on November 27, 2012 1:50 PM writes...
Here's another one that I remember from my childhood that would raise LOTS of red flags nowadays. Was supposedly banned from most school libraries, due to the hazardous nature of some of the experiments (making chlorine and hydrogen sulfide, anyone?).
http://chemistry.about.com/b/2008/08/05/banned-book-the-golden-book-of-chemistry-experiments.htm
Available as a free downloadable .pdf for anyone who wants a glimpse into a time before the lawyers ruled the world:
http://chemistry.about.com/library/goldenchem.pdf
Permalink to Comment4. Anonymous on November 27, 2012 2:31 PM writes...
Don't forget "The Dummies Guide to Losing Your Job in Chemistry". Wish my parents had bought me that rather than the chemistry set when I was a kid.
Permalink to Comment5. PG-Free on November 28, 2012 1:58 AM writes...
Making babies = ultimate home biology experiment
Permalink to Comment6. Classically Liberal Dave on November 30, 2012 9:10 AM writes...
In addition to having written the books you mention, Robert Bruce Thompson sells Chemistry, Biology and Forensic Science kits through this web site.
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