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.

A Pennsylvania woman of the early 1900’s, Fianna was shaped by the Anabaptist faith that strengthened her through tuberculosis and early death at age 29. She left behind a grieving husband, two small children, and a large packet of letters. The story within the letters became the foundation for Fianna’s Story. While participants will follow Fianna’s daily life of church, home, and farm, we will focus on her experiences in a sanatorium, the strange treatments she received, and her determination to live her faith. We will follow her and her family after she returned home to die. Participants are encouraged to read Fianna’s Story before the class to help discuss lessons that her life offers for us. The book is available at Masthof Press and Amazon.