With the warmth of the summer sun shining down, there is no better time to take a break with an exciting book. Whether in the ocean air, by the pool, or at home on a quiet night, the following summer reading recommendations have been prepared to bring pleasure and information to professionals in multiple disciplines. At Chemsafe Srl, our field of competence includes five Business Units: Chemical, Pharma, Food, Medical Devices, Cosmetics, and Agro/Biocides. With the help of our staff, we want to suggest some of the best-known books that are coherent with these industries. Our book list moves from classics to popular.
Chemical: “The Periodic Table” by Primo Levi
Summary: “The Periodic Table”, a classic by Primo Levi, is a masterpiece that blends memoir and scientific detective stories. Levi, an esteemed chemist and writer, reflects on his life experiences within the context of the elements of the periodic table. Each chapter illuminates another element, skillfully weaving in personal narrative and informed chemistry.
Why Read It? This book is one that those working in the chemical industry will indeed find themselves able to poetically and profoundly relate to the elements with which they work. Levi’s writing is graceful and powerfully scientific in that the reader gets both inspiration and a more expansive view of the material world.
Pharma: “The Drug Hunters: The Improbable Quest to Discover New Medicines” by Donald R. Kirsch and Ogi Ogas
Summary: This book gives a beautiful account of how drugs were discovered. Donald R. Kirsch and Ogi Ogas share the history of battles, victories, and inventions that produced life-saving drugs. It is more of a tribute to the determination and resourcefulness of scientists who strive to improve public health worldwide.
Why Read It? This book is a celebration of the great work done by the pharmaceutical sector and an illustration of how the industry has continued striving for better medicines. It is an exciting book to read if you are interested in knowing the background history and the levels of commitment put in by scientists before discovering any drug.
Food: “Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual” by Michael Pollan
Summary: “Food Rules” provides practical, straightforward tips for eating healthier by Michael Pollan. Out of this book, somewhat confusing and complicated advice on nutrition is squeezed down into the most straightforward rules that encourage natural, whole foods. Into the wisdom of Pollan, there opens a clear path to better food choices and a humane diet. We are what we eat: let’s eat better!
Why Read It? Pollan’s book gives a new perspective on nutrition and food production for those working in the food industry and general consumers. It’s a concise yet compelling book encouraging healthier diets, current movements to adopt sustainability and natural foods, and much more.
Medical Devices: “The Patient Will See You Now: The Future of Medicine is in Your Hands” by Eric Topol
Summary: “The Patient Will See You Now” by Eric Topol explores the transformational aspect of digital technology in medicine. Topol posits that these patients are now armed with smartphones, wearable devices, and other digital tools that empower them to transform the doctor-patient dynamic. It’s about what this all means for the future of a much more personalized, empowered, accessible, and data-driven type of health care.
Why Read It? This book is good as it gives advanced opinions to professionals in the medical device industry about the effect of digital technology on health. Topol’s vision of the future of medicine is quite inspiring; it turns out to be practical, giving lessons to those devising the next generation of medical devices for the patient care that our evolving devices can offer.
Cosmetics: “Cosmetic Science” by Beatrice Mautino ¹
Summary: As the name suggests, “Cosmetic Science” by Beatrice Mautino is all about the scientific base underlying the business of beauty. A biologist and science communicator, Mautino looks into the ingredients, processes, and technologies involved in bringing products to the shelves in the cosmetics industry. The book provides an approach based on evidence regarding a product’s safety and effectiveness.
Why Read It? This book will make you aware and empower the professionals working in the cosmetics industry. Mautino explains very clearly and scientifically, broadening the perspective toward the industry and helping to develop more conscious products that are more innovative.
Agro/Biocides: “The Science of Cleaning: Use the Power of Chemistry to Clean Smarter, Easier and Safer- With Solutions for Every Kind of Dirt” by Dario Bressanini
Summary: “The Science of Cleaning” by Dario Bressanini deals with cleaning from a chemical point of view. Bressanini advises the reader on using chemical principles to clean more efficiently and safely. There is a clear description in the book of several cleaning solutions against different types of dirt and surfaces. Still, the focus is on explaining why knowing about the science of cleaning agents is so important.
Why Read It? This book will be handy to anyone in the agro/biocides business for insights into developing and applying cleaning products. This practical approach and scientific explanations by Bressanini enable professionals to advance their know-how of cleaning technologies by creating safer, more effective solutions.
Summer is the ideal time to grow in many diverse dimensions that help improve your profession. These thoughtfully chosen books will give a pleasant blend of inspiration, critical analysis, and practical advice from every business unit of Chemsafe. Happy reading and happy summertime!
¹Italian version only
