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1988 The Benefits of Chemistry Chemistry is as important to the world as the very air we breathe. In fact, a better subject for this essay might have been, "What Aren't the Benefits of Chemistry?" Almost everything we wear, everything we eat, everything we breathe, and everything we do is influenced by chemistry. Practical uses of chemistry are not the only benefits, however. There are theoretical benefits, as well. Even if one does not intend to go into the field of chemistry as a career, learning chemistry is valuable. For example, many household cleaners, when mixed with each other, produce poisonous ammonia or chlorine gas. Regardless of label warning, one without this knowledge might dangerously combine chemical cleaning agents. The skills learned in chemistry are readily applicable in other fields. Through observation and experimentation, practical application of knowledge is learned. The analytical processes are awakened in chemistory, and logic prevails over discontinuous throught. In order to learn chemistry, discipline, concentration and patience are necessary. These skill are transferred to other areas of focus. If one little girl is thrilled with the fact that helium balloons are pushed up in the air, as opposed to merely floating, she will continue in her curiosity about the world around her and may someday make priceless discoveries to benefit all mankind. But even if she doesn't become a scientist of epic proportion, she will no dobut carry her desire for awareness in this field to other fields, making her a better citizen. The dangers of living in a modern world make a basic knowledge of chemistry almost necessary. Carbon monoxide is a noxious vapor produce in automobile exhaust. Without understanding that this gas is without odor or color, one might inadvertently remain in an enclosed area while his car engine is running. This action would not be beneficial to his health. The contributions of the professional chemist, however, should not be minimized. They have provided us with inexpensive, synthetic clothing, hypo-allergenic cosmetics, more efficient fuel sources, and countless other invaluable comodities. In addition to what they have already accomplished, chemists are working toward solutions to current problems. The radioactive side effects of X-rays made unnnecessary through the use of MRI, a chemical process which provides the same information as an X-ray and can be used on virtually anyone. Without chemists, pollution would kill off our fish, smog would cover the earth, and patients would have to go through surgery without anaeshthetics. A high school student may not understand the advancements made by outstanding chemists such as Nobel Prize winners Donal J. Cram, Charles J. Pederses, and Jean-Marie Lehn, but at least he will be interested. He will be able to apply the thought processes learned in chemsitry to other subjects. He will be aware of the consequences of such events as oil spills, meltdown of nuclear reactors, and other such incidents that influence the environment. When one discusses chemsitry, he is discussing a subject which has been an integral part of science throughout history. Science is a Latin word for knowledge, and aptly describes chemistry, for it is truly a quest for knowledge. The knowledge attained through chemistry has been and always will be beneficial to mankind. Return to home page

1988

The Benefits of Chemistry

Chemistry is as important to the world as the very air we breathe. In fact, a better subject for this essay might have been, "What Aren't the Benefits of Chemistry?" Almost everything we wear, everything we eat, everything we breathe, and everything we do is influenced by chemistry.

Practical uses of chemistry are not the only benefits, however. There are theoretical benefits, as well. Even if one does not intend to go into the field of chemistry as a career, learning chemistry is valuable. For example, many household cleaners, when mixed with each other, produce poisonous ammonia or chlorine gas. Regardless of label warning, one without this knowledge might dangerously combine chemical cleaning agents.

The skills learned in chemistry are readily applicable in other fields. Through observation and experimentation, practical application of knowledge is learned. The analytical processes are awakened in chemistory, and logic prevails over discontinuous throught. In order to learn chemistry, discipline, concentration and patience are necessary. These skill are transferred to other areas of focus.

If one little girl is thrilled with the fact that helium balloons are pushed up in the air, as opposed to merely floating, she will continue in her curiosity about the world around her and may someday make priceless discoveries to benefit all mankind. But even if she doesn't become a scientist of epic proportion, she will no dobut carry her desire for awareness in this field to other fields, making her a better citizen.

The dangers of living in a modern world make a basic knowledge of chemistry almost necessary. Carbon monoxide is a noxious vapor produce in automobile exhaust. Without understanding that this gas is without odor or color, one might inadvertently remain in an enclosed area while his car engine is running. This action would not be beneficial to his health.

The contributions of the professional chemist, however, should not be minimized. They have provided us with inexpensive, synthetic clothing, hypo-allergenic cosmetics, more efficient fuel sources, and countless other invaluable comodities. In addition to what they have already accomplished, chemists are working toward solutions to current problems. The radioactive side effects of X-rays made unnnecessary through the use of MRI, a chemical process which provides the same information as an X-ray and can be used on virtually anyone.

Without chemists, pollution would kill off our fish, smog would cover the earth, and patients would have to go through surgery without anaeshthetics. A high school student may not understand the advancements made by outstanding chemists such as Nobel Prize winners Donal J. Cram, Charles J. Pederses, and Jean-Marie Lehn, but at least he will be interested. He will be able to apply the thought processes learned in chemsitry to other subjects. He will be aware of the consequences of such events as oil spills, meltdown of nuclear reactors, and other such incidents that influence the environment.

When one discusses chemsitry, he is discussing a subject which has been an integral part of science throughout history. Science is a Latin word for knowledge, and aptly describes chemistry, for it is truly a quest for knowledge. The knowledge attained through chemistry has been and always will be beneficial to mankind.

Return to home page