So why does this matter? I am a sucker for the integration of academic subjects, so when I noticed that history and chemistry had a link through Napoleon I couldn't resist. You may have noticed Napoleon's Buttons as a link in the Science Resources tab, so I wanted to discuss the chemistry (and history) of the title.
I am no historian, but what I do remember about Napoleon from my high school days was his tiny stature and that he was an emperor/conqueror (besides loving to do that "one arm in coat" pose). Napoleon had some success in creating a French empire, but ultimately chemistry failed him in the invasion of Russia. Among many factors Napoleon's retreat from Russia was due to the extremely cold winter faced by inadequately prepared French troops. Their lack of preparedness ties into their uniforms which had tin buttons. As I've mentioned in a fun fact, tin becomes brittle and turns to powder in cold conditions, so imagine being a soldier whose buttons fell off (not so hot...literally and figuratively).
Napoleon's Buttons (the book not the concept) documents these interplays between science and history/culture with other molecules, but it is important to understand that even the best laid plans get foiled by silly little things like disintegrating tin buttons.
Chemistry Joke: Q: What do you do with a dead chemist?
A: Barium!
Fun Fact: Barium sulfate is a compound that is used in oil well drilling and enemas (what a link!). When drilling oil wells, barium sulfate is pumped into the hole to bring rock chips up and away from the drill head. In medical terms, barium sulfate can be swallowed or be used in an enema as a contrast for digestive tract x-rays. Yum.
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