Water: A Matrix of Life (Repost)

Through the ages, the wondrous nature of water has inspired poets, painters, composers and philosophers. Water was one of Aristotle’s four elements, and long after earth, fire and air had been recognised for what they were, water was still regarded as an element. It was not until the end of the 18th century that Lavoisier and Priestley demonstrated water to be a ‘mixture’ of elements.

This book is an update and extension of the first edition which was published in 1983. The book puts emphasis on the developments over the last two decades, especially with regards to water quality, usage, economics, and policies. It also looks at water's role in the life sciences and ecology and its influence on dissolved substances.