Here is the story of human history and the universe as told by each element of the periodic tablefrom King Midas to Marie Curie, and from Lewis and Clark to Dante and Twain. In THE DISAPPEARING SPOON, Sam Kean discovers the hidden tales and quirky details that show us how the elements relate to history, finance, alchemy, mythology, petty politics, poison, crime, war, the arts, and even love. Chemistry class has never been such fun.