The opening of the work delves into the history and significance of chemistry in human civilization, portraying it as a vital force that has liberated humanity from the constraints of nature. Nagel illustrates how chemistry has turned once-precious materials and processes into easily accessible resources, such as the modern methods of gold extraction from previously unworkable ores and even seawater. He draws metaphoric connections between chemistry and various mythological and literary figures, emphasizing its role in society and industry, and setting the stage for an exploration of various chemical processes that have revolutionized our understanding and utilization of natural materials. (This is an automatically generated summary.)