Rare Earths: The Hidden Cost to Their Magic

Distillations Podcast

Rare earth elements are essential to modern life. Luckily the world has plenty of them, unfortunately getting them out of the ground leaves behind massive damage.
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ExhibitLab: Science and Disability

Now on View in Our Museum

This exhibit features books, oral histories, and items from our collections that focus on scientists with disabilities.
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International Year of the Periodic Table

#IYPT2019

The Science History Institute joins the United Nations in celebrating 2019 as the International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements.
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History Lab

Programs & Events

Join us for History Lab, a summer series of free seminars. We’ll explore big questions from science and history that have immediate, real-world implications.
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The Othmer Library


The Donald F. and Mildred Topp Othmer Library of Chemical History is an independent research library encompassing the history of chemistry and related sciences and industries.
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The Science History Institute collects and shares the stories of innovators and of discoveries that shape our lives. We preserve and interpret the history of chemistry, chemical engineering, and the life sciences.

Support Our Work
We believe access to the past empowers individuals to build better futures. Your financial support makes it possible.
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