The Most Beautiful Molecule by Hugh Aldersey-Williams (review)

3. Jane Yellowlees Douglas' "~How Do I Stop This Thing': Closure and Indeterminacy," in Hyper/Text/ Theory, George P. Landow, ed. (Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins Univ. Press, 1994) is, for instance, much more interesting than Aarseth's academic summary of her criticism. THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MOLECULE by Hugh Aldersey-Williams. John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY, U.S.A., 1995. 339 pp., illus. Paper, $16.95. ISBN: 0-47119333 -X. Reviewed by CliffPickover, IBM ThomasJ. Watson Res Center, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598, U.S.A. E-mail: . URL: . Buckminsterfullerene, the chemical discovery that is the subject of this fascinating book, is a rather strange substance . Discovered in 1985, the molecule possesses not only beauty—due to its striking resemblance to a geodesic dome—but also novelty and a range of applications. Amazingly, the molecule, and related compounds, were the subject of the 10 most-cited chemistry papers in 1992. One paper a week on the topic appeared between 1985 and 1990. In The Most Beautiful Molecule, Hugh Aldersey-Williams describes the events leading up to the discovery of the "buckyball," as buckminsterfullerene is commonly called. In the words of the author, it was an example of "classic boodeg science—die research being done on the back of other, funded projects, and when time would allow. Yet its commercial implications are probably immense." This is a classic example of serendipity in scientific discovery—no one explicitly set out to discover this spheroidal 60-atom molecule of carbon. As so often occurs in science, there is little correlation between the extent to which a project is funded and the importance of the resulting discoveries. This is why general basic science must be funded, so that researchers can be receptive to lateral thinking and serendipitous discoveries that will occur as they pursue knowledge. The molecule's unusual molecular architecture and properties quickly led corporations such as AT&T, DuPont, Exxon and IBM to invest millions of dollars in order to investigate potential applications. The most apparent characteristic is the hollowness of the cage shape, large enough to trap an atom of any element on the periodic table, and offering the prospect of fascinating modification to die properties of the element so trapped. The unique structure suggests potential uses in the creation of as lubricants, industrial catalysts and drug-delivery systems (e.g. targeted cancer therapy). My favorite part of the book comes at the end, where Aldersey-Williams speculates on the future use of this wonderful molecule—where a whole microworld made up of carbon structures such as interconnecting domes and tubes may be used in the emerging field of nanotechnology. I love the idea of using carbon in its various assemblies (fullerenes, "onions," nanotubes—all discussed in the book) as a kit of parts for future projects in nanotechnology. There are many other uses, including electrical superconductivity and biological activity against the virus that causes AIDS. Related cage-like tubes and molecules can suck up metal atoms and show a range of novel electrical properties. The recent detection of nanotubes coiled like telephone cords and in other bizarre patterns suggests that scientists should soon understand new physical and chemical rules that can be harnessed for the manufacture of new, versatile structures. Anyone interested in science, serendipity and beauty will appreciate this well-written book. As Hugh AlderseyWilliams notes, "It is the beauty of the molecule and the serendipity of its discovery that remains die buckyball's chief seduction." DESIGN CULTURE: AN ANTHOLOGY OF WRITING FROM THE AIGA JOURNAL OF GRAPHIC DESIGN Steven Heller and Marie Finamore, eds. Allworth Press, New York, NY, U.S.A., 1997. ISBN: 1-880559-71-4. Reviewed by Roy Behrens, 2022 X Avenue, Dysart, IA 52224-9767, U.S.A. E-mail: . It is mind boggling to think that Steven Heller, who is a senior art director at The New York Times, has now written, edited , or co-edited more than 60 books on graphic design and design history. Even more astonishing is that many of those volumes are among the finest, most innovative books on the subject, among them Graphic Style: From Victorian to Postmodern, Borrowed Design: Use and Abuse ofHistoricalForm, The Business ofIllustration, and Design Literacy : Understanding Graphic...