All The crucible articles – Page 6
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Opinion
What is a molecule?
Despite being a standard scientific concept, it’s virtually impossible to agree a satisfactory definition, says Philip Ball
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Opinion
The periodic table name game
Proposed new rules on how elements are named save confusion but sacrifice romance, argues Philip Ball
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Opinion
Why we need more research risks
Scientists are playing it too safe when choosing topics for investigation, warns Philip Ball
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Opinion
Weapons of mass discussion
A chemistry opera gives reason to face up to the role of scientists in war, says Philip Ball
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Opinion
Speaking of chemistry
Richard Feynman’s mischievous genius shone discussing chemistry, says Philip Ball
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Opinion
A shared secret?
Do chemistry and alchemy have a common ancestor, or are they separated by science, asks Philip Ball
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Opinion
A coat of many colours
Just how did lab couture settle on that little white number, asks Philip Ball
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Opinion
How do we solve a problem like Marie?
Women in science’s history deserve better treatment than myths and martyrdom, says Philip Ball
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Opinion
Oh, the humanities!
Science and the arts are equally essential to society, says Philip Ball. Don’t divide them by their differences
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Opinion
Dial chem for murder
Poisons may seem to be a murderer’s perfect accomplice, but chemists can always persuade them to betray their secrets, says Philip Ball
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Opinion
A brave new word
Why did scientists endure, while sciencers perished? Philip Ball examines the quirks of science’s lexical legacy
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Opinion
A complete chemist
Philip Ball celebrates Paul Schleyer’s contributions to scientific discourse, spanning decades and disciplines
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Opinion
An end to bubble puzzle trouble?
Has a 20-year-old problem finally been solved, asks Philip Ball
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Opinion
Appreciating art criticism
Philip Ball considers Chinese works of art that comment on environmental and chemical issues
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Opinion
Does life play dice?
Philip Ball wonders whether life evolved to exploit quantum phenomena, or if it’s just in our nature
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Opinion
The fascinating in the familiar
A simple droplet shows that there are still plenty of puzzles to ponder in everyday observations, says Philip Ball