LH32-P SUBSTANCES THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

The commerce and livelihoods of nations owe much to chemical substances. These substances expanded exploration, created international trade, alleviated suffering, cured debilitating (even deadly) diseases, and significantly extended the length and quality of human lives. Using selected substances as context – from folk remedies to “The Pill,” aspirin to antibiotics, salt to steroids, dyes to wonder drugs – this course will illustrate how chemistry has played a major role in shaping the trajectories of history and cultures across the ages.