This is not intended as an introduction to chemistry, but as a survey of recent developments throughout many of the major fields allied with chemistry, from research in traditional areas such as crystallography and spectroscopy to entirely new fields of study such as artificial enzymes.

Some of the most exciting scientific developments in recent years have come not from theoretical physicists, astronomers or molecular biologists, but instead from the chemistry lab. Chemists have created superconducting ceramics for brain scanners, designed liquid crystal flat screens for televisions and watch displays, and made fabrics that change colour while you wear them. This study provides the lay reader with insights into the world of modern chemistry. Here, for example, chemists find new uses for the improbable buckminsterfullerene molecules - 60-atom carbon soccerballs dubbed "buckyballs" - which seem to have applications for everything from lubrication to medicine to electronics. The book is not intended as an introduction to chemistry, but as an accessible survey of recent developments throughout many of the major fields allied with chemistry: from research in traditional areas such as crystallography and spectroscopy to entirely new fields of study such as molecular electronics, artificial enzymes, and "smart" polymer gels.