Event
First Friday: The Story of Soap
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.
Come to the Science History Institute 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.
Come to the Science History Institute 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.
