Thorium: The Eighth Element by Brian Basham

Thorium: The Eighth Element is a thrilling exploration of the lost element, thorium, a rare and powerful commodity found in trace amounts throughout the Earth. Written by Brian Basham, this captivating book dives deep into the many secrets and mysteries of thorium, from its primary source to its potential uses in national security. Throughout the chapters, readers are taken on an educational journey about the element's past, present, and future.

Thorium is the eighth element on the periodic table and is the heaviest naturally occurring element. It was discovered in thorite, a rare mineral, by German scientist Jöns Berzelius in 1829. This element has such a high density that it's referred to as a heavy metal. It's also highly radioactive, making it a dangerous material to handle.

Despite its hazardousness, thorium's potential is touted in Basham's book. For starters, it has properties that make it superior to uranium in nuclear reactor fuel. Thorium's reaction is significantly more efficient than uranium, which reduces the power requirement for a successful chain reaction. Additionally, thorium is much easier to source, as it's essentially an abundant mineral. This is opposed to uranium, which can be found in much smaller quantities. Because of this unique quality, thorium can be a more economical nuclear fuel source.

The other advantages of thorium are less tangible. Basham explains that thorium has the potential to help solve the world's energy crisis. It's virtually void of greenhouse gasses and has the potential to produce clean and abundant energy with a virtually endless lifespan. Moreover, thorium is virtually unharmed by nuclear weapons, making it a more secure alternative to uranium when used in applications of national security.

Basham delves into the possibilities in the world of spaceships and rockets as well. Thorium's orbit-sustaining qualities can be used to efficiently fuel spaceships and rockets. Thorium is different from liquid hydrogen or liquid oxygen since its intense energy output is released in an even and continuous pattern making it the ideal fuel source for spacecrafts.

In Thorium: The Eighth Element, Basham examines the roadblocks and myths that prohibit thorium from being accepted as a viable source of energy. He pragmatically explains how thorium can be used in a safe and reasonable manner, as well as addresses its ecological advantages.

Brian Basham has added an insightful and educational book to the growing body of literature on thorium. Thorium: The Eighth Element provides readers with a comprehensive guide to thorium and its potential usages, both in terms of energy and national security. Through this book, readers will gain a stronger appreciation for thorium and its potential to change the world.