The Story of Soap: Julian Silverman
From an ancient cosmetic to a tool of modern hygiene, humans have used soap for over four millennia! Soap plays a crucial role in our daily lives.
Join us for an exciting lecture and soap-making demonstration by historian Julian Silverman, inspired by the historical science spectacles of Michael Faraday and the Royal Society. Part of our Fellow in Focus series, The Story of Soap will delve into the fascinating world of cleansers, highlighting soap’s beauty, versatility, and utility, through 30 live demonstrations.
Silverman’s demonstrations will explore the oils and alkali used to make soap, the intriguing films and foams it creates, its effectiveness in cleaning, and its status as an essential and ubiquitous commodity. Travel with us through time to understand soap’s scientific principles and its rich history—you’ll never look at a bar of soap the same way again!
About the Speaker
Julian Silverman is an assistant professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology and a former lecturer in organic chemistry. His research focuses on integrating green chemistry principles into the classroom and creating engaging research experiences for non-science students. He is a 2023–2024 Haas Fellow at the Science History Institute.
About Fellow in Focus
The Rohm and Haas Fellow in Focus Lecture series gives the Institute’s scholars an opportunity to present their work to a broad audience interested in history, science, and culture. Fellow in Focus lectures are presented by the Beckman Center for the History of Chemistry.
About This Event
“The Story of Soap” is part of our Fellow in Focus and First Friday series. Presented by the Beckman Center for the History of Chemistry, the Rohm and Haas Fellow in Focus Lecture series gives the Institute’s scholars an opportunity to present their work to a broad audience interested in history, science, and culture. First Fridays bring together a myriad of activities covering everyday science, historical oddities, and everything in between. Grab your friends, and kick off an evening of discovery, surprise, and a little nerdy fun.
Featured image: “Cleans in Less Time with Less Soap,” advertisement for Yarmor 302-W Pine Oil for Raw Stock Wool Scouring, 1944.
More events
The Maternal Imprint
This Women’s History Month, join us for a thought-provoking presentation by leading gender and science scholar Sarah S. Richardson.
Stories of Science: 52 Weeks of Firsts
Join us as we celebrate the invention of the first paper match folder in 1892—the precursor to the modern matchbook—as part of the Philadelphia Historic District’s 52 Weeks of Firsts.
Women in Chemistry Tour
Drop in for a tour highlighting the central role of women in shaping chemistry and the material sciences throughout history.