About the book: 1958 / This book talks about the use of radioactive isotopes for peaceful purposes and their possible use in military affairs. It is explained in an accessible form what matter is made of, how molecules and atoms are built, what the phenomenon of radioactivity is and what properties radioactive isotopes have. The breadth of scientific problems studied with the help of isotopes is immeasurable: here are studies of the healing properties of drugs and the discovery of the mystery of ancient statues, analysis of deep-sea marine sediments and revealing the secrets of the origin of living and nonliving things, metabolism in a microscopic cell and the majestic problems of the origin of the universe. With the help of radioactive isotopes, the most intimate mechanisms of biochemical processes in plants and animals can be revealed. Radiation from radioactive decay is in the hands of researchers one of the strongest levers for artificially altering the hereditary nature of organisms. Using these means, science has come close to solving the deepest problems of biology related to the explanation of the most important physiological processes. Even such a seemingly distant branch of atomic physics as agronomy can no longer do without the use of various means of nuclear technology. Radioactive isotopes are an important tool of modern science, increasing human power over nature. The original spelling has been preserved as much as possible, with the exception of obvious typos. It should be borne in mind that the international system of SI units was adopted only in 1960, and was introduced in the USSR on January 1, 1963, “as the preferred one”; The theory of “nuclear winter” originated in 1983–1985. and is still considered controversial, although it is replicated by the media; detailed study of the effect of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) during a nuclear explosion began in the 1960s. — Grinya