--- product_id: 1698892 title: "Napoleon's Buttons: How 17 Molecules Changed History" price: "229 kr" currency: DKK in_stock: true reviews_count: 10 url: https://www.desertcart.dk/products/1698892-napoleons-buttons-how-17-molecules-changed-history store_origin: DK region: Denmark --- # Napoleon's Buttons: How 17 Molecules Changed History **Price:** 229 kr **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Napoleon's Buttons: How 17 Molecules Changed History - **How much does it cost?** 229 kr with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.dk](https://www.desertcart.dk/products/1698892-napoleons-buttons-how-17-molecules-changed-history) ## Best For - Customers looking for quality international products ## Why This Product - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description Buy Napoleon's Buttons: How 17 Molecules Changed History on desertcart.com ✓ FREE SHIPPING on qualified orders Review: The intersection of history and chemistry. - This is by far the most interesting book I've read this year (and is a definite contender for the "all-time" best, as well!) The premise of the book is "17 molecules that changed history." From cotton to caffeine, scopolamine to saponin, this book colorfully lays out both the chemical nature of these significant molecules, explaining how they function and WHY they work the way they do; it also illustrates the historical impact, going into great detail about how the course of history was heavily affected by the molecular properties of the topical substance. I find that when I'm learning something, the more connections I can form with an idea, the stronger my memory -- this book is a powerhouse in that regard; the knowledge of the structural nature of these compounds (at least the relevant functional groups, anyways) coupled with the historical relevance, creates memorable, almost mnemonic, impressions in my mind. For anyone that's a trivia buff, a science (particularly chemistry) or history afficionado, or just someone that loves to learn, I highly recommend this book. Review: Basically good - The historical episodes are generally well known, although it's always nice to have a little refresher. The chemistry is likewise comfortably basic, and is often preceded by a short introduction for those readers who never took a high school introduction to chemistry class. The book offers a unique combination of chemical diagrams and information juxtaposed against significant historical episodes that have shaped our world today. Any reader will finish this book with one or two more historical anecdotes than they were equipped with when they began reading, and perhaps a better understanding of some of the chemical underpinnings of our world. I would especially recommend this book to young readers, to whom more of the information within would be novel. ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Best Sellers Rank | #23,724 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #6 in General Chemistry #80 in History & Philosophy of Science (Books) #2,317 in Literary Fiction (Books) | | Customer Reviews | 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (981) | | Dimensions | 6.02 x 1.02 x 8.98 inches | | Edition | Reprint | | ISBN-10 | 1585423319 | | ISBN-13 | 978-1585423316 | | Item Weight | 14.6 ounces | | Language | English | | Print length | 384 pages | | Publication date | May 24, 2004 | | Publisher | Jeremy P Tarcher | ## Images ![Napoleon's Buttons: How 17 Molecules Changed History - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81Lq3aQFeKL.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The intersection of history and chemistry. *by A***L on March 23, 2009* This is by far the most interesting book I've read this year (and is a definite contender for the "all-time" best, as well!) The premise of the book is "17 molecules that changed history." From cotton to caffeine, scopolamine to saponin, this book colorfully lays out both the chemical nature of these significant molecules, explaining how they function and WHY they work the way they do; it also illustrates the historical impact, going into great detail about how the course of history was heavily affected by the molecular properties of the topical substance. I find that when I'm learning something, the more connections I can form with an idea, the stronger my memory -- this book is a powerhouse in that regard; the knowledge of the structural nature of these compounds (at least the relevant functional groups, anyways) coupled with the historical relevance, creates memorable, almost mnemonic, impressions in my mind. For anyone that's a trivia buff, a science (particularly chemistry) or history afficionado, or just someone that loves to learn, I highly recommend this book. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Basically good *by M***. on October 19, 2012* The historical episodes are generally well known, although it's always nice to have a little refresher. The chemistry is likewise comfortably basic, and is often preceded by a short introduction for those readers who never took a high school introduction to chemistry class. The book offers a unique combination of chemical diagrams and information juxtaposed against significant historical episodes that have shaped our world today. Any reader will finish this book with one or two more historical anecdotes than they were equipped with when they began reading, and perhaps a better understanding of some of the chemical underpinnings of our world. I would especially recommend this book to young readers, to whom more of the information within would be novel. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Required Reading *by V***Y on December 14, 2010* I've always been a fan of "what-if" storylines and historical non-fiction, so when I was required to read this book for class, I wasn't entirely disappointed. Burreson and LeCouteur are not only capable scientific authors, but capable authors as well. Though they present technical drawings and scientific jargon, they mitigate these with simple and effectual text. They give the facts of how these molecules changed and accentuate the impact of these molecules by describing the consequences if these molecules hadn't been discovered or used. For those who are infrequent or sporadic readers, the division of the book made it easy and enjoyable to read for someone who usually only read in-between class periods. I found chapters easily digestible, full of historical and scientific information, and even found myself surprised when I had a fair knowledge of the topic at hand. What I enjoyed most about the book though, was the fact that almost every molecule is commonplace today. There's nothing so far from popular culture that everyday people won't understand. Sure, most people may not know all the scientific names of witch herbs, but everyone's heard of the witch trials. Other sections like "The Pill" show just how relevant some of these molecules really are. Even without scientific designation or more descriptive detail, almost everyone is aware of what "the pill" is even with such an innocuously vague name. All in all, you could do way worse for required reading or scientific literature. ## Frequently Bought Together - Napoleon's Buttons: How 17 Molecules Changed History - Dr. Joe & What You Didn't Know: 177 Fascinating Questions About the Chemistry of Everyday Life - Culinary Reactions: The Everyday Chemistry of Cooking --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.dk/products/1698892-napoleons-buttons-how-17-molecules-changed-history](https://www.desertcart.dk/products/1698892-napoleons-buttons-how-17-molecules-changed-history) --- *Product available on Desertcart Denmark* *Store origin: DK* *Last updated: 2026-04-25*