A Compendium of Geochemistry: From Solar Nebula to the Human Brain

Abstract

Over the past decade, interest in the biogeosciences has expanded at a remarkable rate. This approach to the study of the Earth is by its very nature interdisciplinary and requires an enormous wealth of knowledge. It also requires the ability to make connections between various natural systems and processes. Over a slightly longer period, there has been a widespread effort to document the so‐called ‘average’ composition of geologic and biologic units. In a sense, Li has now helped us to take full advantage of this effort and bring this knowledge to bear on questions arising in the biogeosciences. That is because in his new book, A Compendium of Geochemistry: From Solar Nebula to the Human Brain , he has amassed an exhaustive list of data sets, gathered from numerous sources, and documenting the composition of the natural universe.