Salt

by John Perritano

Overview

We often take salt for granted, but this edible mineral is essential for human life. And it has a long history. Before refrigeration, people used salt to preserve food. Soldiers of the Roman Empire received their pay in sail. Even Christopher Columbus was on the hunt for salt when he landed in the New World. In some cultures, salt was considered more precious than gold. The countries of North America have always had plentiful natural resources. But the exploitation of these resources comes at a cost, and in certain cases, some have wondered if that cost is too high. North American Natural Resources explores all facets of this vital aspect of our economy. Readers will investigate the natural history, human use, technology, environmental impact, and economic significance of the most significant resources on the continent.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781422233887
Publisher:	Mason Crest
Publication date:	09/01/2015
Series:	North American Natural Resources Series
Pages:	64
Product dimensions:	7.30(w) x 9.30(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	12 - 17 Years

Table of Contents

Introduction 7

Chapter 1 History 9

Chapter 1 Extraction 19

Chapter 3 Science and Uses 28

Chapter 4 Commerce and Economics 38

Chapter 5 Salt and the Environment 47

Further Reading 57

Series Glossary 58

Index 60

About the Author 64

Photo Credits 64

Editorial Reviews

A common mineral, salt has played an important part in history and been essential for human survival. In this five-chapter volume of the “North American Natural Resources” series, readers learn about the roles salt has played in trade, as currency, and in the colonization of various lands; how it is extracted and mined; its many uses, which range from seasoning foods to cleaning wounds to melting ice; its role in the global and domestic economies; and the effect of salt-mining on the environment. The beginning of each chapter has a list of vocabulary words that are bolded in the text. Sidebars provide additional information of interest, such as salt’s connection to superstitions and war; the process of desalination; and the world’s top salt producers. Accompanying the text are beautiful color and black-and-white photographs that bring interest to the topic and break up the text. Each chapter ends with text-dependent questions and a supplemental hands-on science or research project. The last pages include a short list of books for further reading, a list of web sites about salt, a series glossary, and an index. This title is both informative and fascinating, enabling readers to grasp the idea that salt is much more than just a simple mineral. Reviewer: Ann L. Kreske; Ages 10 to 14.

Children's Literature - Ann L. Kreske