Leading academic author to give away new digital version of textbook as a ‘gift to the chemistry community’

Scholars and researchers can download a free copy of Peter Atkins’ Concepts in Physical Chemistry as part of a special collaboration with the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Retired Oxford University professor Atkins has opted to give the e-book away as a ‘gift and a thanks’ and to give cash-strapped readers access to crucial material.

The digital copy is now available for students around the world to download, with the prolific academic author keen to ensure geography is no barrier to studying chemistry.

Coming 29 years after the publication of the original, Atkins has made extensive changes to this new second edition of the book, which is available in print for £75.

“I've had a loyal following for my other books and so this really is just a gift and a thanks to the community,” said the retired fellow of Lincoln College at the University of Oxford. “On reflection, I can also see that this is a way of reaching out to people who simply can't afford the big book.”

Atkins, who has written more than 70 books, said he was inspired to give away the textbook after seeing fellow author John McMurry adopt a similar approach with his Organic Chemistry book.

Atkins (pictured right) added that he held discussions with other free platforms but decided to publish with the RSC out of a sense of ‘patriotism’ and to ‘give the [Royal Society of Chemistry] an opportunity to show itself off at its best.’

RSC Head of Books Andy Redman said of the innovative agreement: “In a distinguished career Peter Atkins has worked to improve both the study of chemistry and the public understanding of chemical science.

“In keeping with those goals, Peter has produced a full revision of Concepts in Physical Chemistry, a distinctive vade mecum which provides a succinct description for a selection of over 500 key concepts, set out in alphabetical order for ease of access.

“In partnership with the RSC, Concepts in Physical Chemistry is being made freely accessible in digital form as well as being available in a print edition to provide the next generation of chemists and the chemical community at large with an invaluable resource.”

• Download or buy the second edition of Concepts of Physical Chemistry today by visiting our books website.