White Light by Jack Lohmann ~ a Review

by MK French

The element phosphorus is one of the six that are important for life functioning. Whether it's the phosphates that add to fertilizers or is present in rocks and makes ecological or biological systems work, or the explosive element when added to water, in this book, we're guided through the history of what we know about this element and how we can use it.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

March 2025; Pantheon; 978-0593316610
audio, ebook, print (288 pages); nonfiction

The prologue begins with whalefall, the state where a whale dies and then feeds other creatures for the decades that follow. Men in 1800s England had discovered the presence of phosphorus in certain rocks, making them easier to burn, and also making crops grow better when added to the soil. This was known in various cultures for millennia all across the world, but not the specific chemical composition. Industry, war, and natural phenomena all contributed to the discovery and then the mining industry. We get the sequence of events leading up to the modern development of fertilizers, as well as the scientific research in the centuries prior. Along with mass production comes toxic waste, the consolidation of farms, and having to deal with myriad problems brought on by capitalist drive. The chapters on the Florida mining facilities are especially appalling, as they're still occurring and no one knows the full extent of the damage done. 

History, politics, science and industry all affected each other in this regard, and it was fascinating to see that laid out in this manner. Each field is generally taught separately, so we think of them in separate ways. The revolution of fertilizers all over the world changed the normal farming habits, leading to the loss of family farms, land, and even government sovereignty. It decreased the organic matter in soils, decreasing the nutritional value of food and the knowledge of traditional farming methods that enriched the soil. The phosphorus eventually returns to the natural cycle of the world, but changed from the original cycles. Time will tell if this is damaging the oceans, and scientists are already aware of the environmental impact on land. Much like the prologue's whalefall, the growth is exponential at first, then slowly lessens and dies out once resources are spent. Hopefully, we can learn from this and keep the cycles of growth and renewal going for future generations.

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Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and a golden retriever.

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