Today we have a pretty good grasp of what causes illness. We know about infections, carcinogens, pollution, genetics, anatomical abnormalities and the consequences of a poor diet. We also have...
March 31st was National Bunsen Burner Day. Bunsen (1811-1899) should be remembered. After all, the 鈥淏unsen Burner鈥� is a typical symbol of chemistry. But there is more to Bunsen than just a burner....
The experiment, James Simpson decided, would go ahead even though the rabbits had died. And that decision was destined to have such a huge impact on medicine that more than 100,000 grateful Scots...
First synthesized by Lazar Edeleanu in Germany in 1887, amphetamine remained quietly under the radar until it came to the attention of chemist Gordon Alles in 1929.聽 Alles was looking for an asthma...
The world鈥檚 first commercially available laundry powder was Persil, introduced by the German company Henkel in 1907. The name derived from perborate and silicate, two key components in the product....
It represents the colour of blood. During the Middle Ages monks were required to shave the crown of their head, a function commonly performed by itinerant barbers. Also, under ecclesiastic law,...
Schizophrenia is a devastating disease. Characterized by hallucinations, delusions and disorganized thought, it destroys lives. While the condition can be controlled with appropriate medication, a...
Back in the early 70s, just as I was developing an interest in the chemistry of food, I came across a witty quote by Mark Twain. 鈥淧art of the secret of success in life is to eat what you like and...
Both Beethoven and Mozart were spectacular talents whose music will live forever. That鈥檚 a fact. But when it comes to the composers鈥� deaths, facts give way to theories, some reasonable, some...
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