13th Element

The incredible "glowing" history of the "Devil''s element "phosphorus

Discovered by alchemists, prescribed by apothecaries, exploited by ninth-century industrialists, and abused by twentieth-century combatants, the chemical element phosphorus has fascinated us for more than three centuries. It may even be the cause of will-o''-the wisps and spontaneous human combustion! Now John Emsley has written ...