Something Simple

I finished a book that was given to me for Christmas called “The Alchemy of Air” by Thomas Hager. The book is mostly about Fritz Haber and Carl Bosch’s work in synthesizing nitrogen in the form of ammonia, its influence in history, and impact on the world. Before, nitrogen was primarily obtained through natural means such as animal waste and mineral deposits. It was a limited resource. Since farming relies heavily on nitrogen this meant that a food shortage was inevitable. According to the book, due to Haber’s work there is plenty of food for everyone, it’s just a matter of getting the food to them. Transportation and governments are the obstacles. Haber’s work made it possible to feed billions more people, but it was also responsible for the deaths of millions. The process he developed was used to produce explosives and toxic gases which helped keep Germany fighting in World War I.

The book doesn’t express any opinion, but Fritz Haber’s life seems tragic in several ways. He worked tirelessly to aid his country. He faced discrimination for having a Jewish background. His second wife committed suicide. He was exiled from Germany and his work exploited by the Nazis. Haber worked proactively to use toxic gas on the battlefield in WWI, so he was no saint, but I doubt he deserved that many hardships.

“The Alchemy of Air” was a great read. The topic is extremely relevant and thought provoking.