Sublime Lead

Lead is a silent toxin that became the fascination of humanity early on. The story of lead has been portrayed simply as evil vs good, but it is far more complex than one thinks. It is a story of many individuals and many cultures, mythologies, and wonders. This book explores the fantastic utility and art of lead and chronologically presents the history of humanity’s complex social and scientific relationship with it. Beginning with the distant geologic origin of lead ore bodies, ancient mining, and the technology of the world from pre-Roman to medieval ages to a focus on modern technology, toxicology, the social aspects of lead poisoning, the U.S. lead industry, and present-day lawsuits that involve lead, it guides readers down a path of discovery that parallels our discovery of lead. Avoiding a reductionist perspective, the text instead holistically analyzes how societal decisions are made with respect to promoting or curtailing a particular technology. Each chapter includes sections that detail the chemical underpinnings of the discussed topics, and an appendix of tables serves as a helpful scientific reference for readers.

Useful and interesting to both scientists and general readers, Sublime Lead places science and technology in a historical context, explaining not only applicable chemical principles, but also the massive social impact of lead on humanity.

Alanah Fitch holds a Masters in soil science from the University of Arizona, a PhD in soil chemistry from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, and postdoctoral degrees in chemistry from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and Northwestern University. Her subsequent 34-year academic career was based at Loyola University Chicago in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry where she currently holds the title of Professor Emeritus.