Dr. Seung-zeon Han of the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS), a government-funded research institute under the Ministry of Science and ICT, has released his second book,‘Neo Alchemist,’ following his first science textbook,‘Modern Alchemist(2021).’In a world overflowing with information, he captures attention by explaining the scientific principles of creating new and diverse materials in his unique and entertaining style.

The book explains the principles of creation and composition of substances and materials that are easily found around us in a very accessible style. Chapter 1, ‘War of the Stars’explains how material exists. Chapter 2, ‘Atoms Visible to the Eyes’ introduces the equipment and principles that allow us to see the previously unseen small material world. Chapter 3, ‘Bouncy Rubbers and Metals’ explains what elasticity means in materials and how it varies by the type of material, Chapter 4, ‘Big Magnets and Small Magnets’ explains the fundamental principle of magnetism and how new magnets are created using it. Chapter 5, ‘Heat and Electricity Flow’ explains why electricity and heat flow through materials and how superconductors are developed based on this. Chapter 6, ‘Strength and Toughness’ explains ceramics and ultra-high strength metals that do not break easily. In the final Chapter 7, ‘Challenge and Response’explains from a material perspective how bacteria and viruses live and how they can be defeated.

Dr. Han emphasizes that books, movies, and anything else can be entertaining if they move you, and science can captivate you when you grasp the principles that unite theories and phenomena. He further states that once you recognize how these principles are connected to all other phenomena, science becomes enjoyable for everyone.

Dr. Jung-hwan Lee, the president of KIMS said, “If we can understand substances and materials, we can wisely navigate the mysteries of the universe and science,” and added, “The book conveys what scientific thinking is all about and the joy of learning through reading. I applaud the authors’ effort and sincerity for this.”

The author, Dr. Seung-zeon Han, stated,“Through this book, I hope many readers will realize that the process of discovery is happier than the end of knowing.”He added,“When you recognize that the world of substances and materials along with the hidden principles within them connect everything, that is when you feel the joy of discovering scientific principles you were not aware of.”