A “timely, informative, and fascinating” study of 8 inventions—and how they shaped our world—with “totally compelling” insights on little-known inventors throughout history (Elizabeth Kolbert, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of The Sixth Extinction)
In The Alchemy of Us, scientist and science writer Ainissa Ramirez examines 8 inventions and reveals how they shaped the human experience:
...

Presents inventions that people use every day. This volume covers the aerosol can, airconditioner, airplane, antibiotics, antivenoms, aspirin, baby car sear, ballpoint pen, BAND-AID, battery, bicycle, bills, Braille, and breakfast cereal.

"Do you have the imagination of an inventor? Peek inside Leonardo da Vinci's workshop, climb aboard Hideo Shima's bullet train, and go behind the scenes with movie star-turned-inventor, Hedy Lamarr. Inventors tells the stories of more than 50 pioneering scientists and revolutionary thinkers who have shaped our world with their remarkable creations." --

A comprehensive overview and time line of human history. MacLeod and Wishinsky provide a one-stop source for all the great events, people, and inventions that changed history, from the discovery of fire to the revolutions in the Arab world that are making headlines today.

This three-part series presents a fresh and highly original view of some of the ancient world's most remarkable inventions. History enthusiast Terry Jones takes us on an unconventional, myth-busting journey revealing the unexpected, whilst discovering that the ancient world was every bit as inventive as our own.

How do you sum up the world's most amazing inventions in just 100 words? This book takes on the challenge! From helicopters to fireworks, each of the carefully chosen 100 entries has its own 100-word long description and quirky illustration, providing an introduction to inspiring inventions from history to the modern day -- adapted from back cover. Looks at 100 inventions from throughout history.