Philip Ball, a distinguished English science writer, is notable for his remarkable output, a quality humorously ascribed to a group of industrious gnomes laboring behind the scenes. Throughout the years, these gnomes have developed richly illustrated coffee table books on the history of science, providing accessible perspectives on scientific history.
In 2021, they introduced “The Elements: A Visual History of Their Discovery”. This visually captivating book traces the evolution from the classical elements of Ancient Greece to the synthetic elements of the 20th century, though it conspicuously skips over the discovery of mercury.
By 2023, Ball’s gnomes revealed “Beautiful Experiments: An Illustrated History of Experimental Science”, a brilliant piece with alternating themed chapters and philosophical reflections. It delves into historic experiments that tackle essential scientific inquiries while contemplating the very essence of experimentation.
In 2025, they released “Alchemy: An Illustrated History of Elixirs, Experiments, and the Birth of Modern Science”, an exceptionally visual introduction to the complex history of alchemy and its evolution into modern chemistry. This book clarifies alchemy for the general reader, debunking misconceptions and highlighting its genuine historical importance.
Each volume is beautifully crafted with detailed indexes and additional reading recommendations, making them perfect and budget-friendly gifts for anyone fascinated by the history of science. Philip Ball’s abundant production, steered by his figurative gnomes, persistently informs and entertains readers around the globe.