Whether through accidents or primitive technology, humans have always been able to produce materials useful to the society, and metals such as gold, silver, copper, and iron are examples of materials that have been in use for a very long time throughout the world. Compared to these, lithium is fairly new. It was discovered in the early 1800s, a time of discovery of many elements by many famous scientists. It does not occur as a pure element in nature like many other metals and is found along with various minerals. Recently, it has been discovered as a component in some brines of several arid closed basins associated with ancient volcanism.

At first a laboratory curiosity, lithium is now a part of our society. Unknown to most people, it is being used in many practical applications, such as ceramics, greases, electronics, medicine, and hopefully in the future, will be used in a fusion that would solve world's energy problems. While lithium has been the subject of many specific publications, no comprehensive book, covering all aspects of lithium from its discovery to the use in batteries, has been published. This book explores the original discovery of lithium and its development from a mineral, geological occurrences, and various applications that culminate in the present use in the ever-expanding electromotive industry. The author's wonderful and exciting experiences of his long lithium career shared in this book will satisfy the readers' curiosity about this expanding industry.