The History of Chemistry

By: Steve Cohen
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  • Summary

  • Chemistry is everywhere, and involves everything. But how did chemistry get to be what it is? I'm Steve Cohen, a chemist and writer, bringing you The History of Chemistry. This podcast explores the development of chemistry from prehistoric times to the present, including the people and societies who made chemistry what it is today. The History of Chemistry is for you, whether you hated chemistry in high school, or got a PhD in inorganic chemistry. We'll explore how chemistry affected art, music, language, politics and vice-versa. Whether it's ancient Greek philosophers, medieval alchemists, or modern laboratory apparatus, it's all here. Don't forget to support my series at https://www.patreon.com/thehistoryofchemistry !
    © 2025 Stephen Cohen
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Episodes
  • 1: Introduction to The History of Chemistry

    1: Introduction to The History of Chemistry
    May 7 2022

    This episode discusses the general theme of the podcast, its scope (from prehistory to the present), who I am, and the format of the series.

    Support the show

    • Support my podcast at https://www.patreon.com/thehistoryofchemistry
    • Tell me how your life relates to chemistry! E-mail me at steve@historyofchem.com
    • Get my book, O Mg! How Chemistry Came to Be, from World Scientific Publishing, https://www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/12670#t=aboutBook
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    19 mins
  • Trailer to The History of Chemistry

    Trailer to The History of Chemistry
    May 7 2022

    Support the show

    • Support my podcast at https://www.patreon.com/thehistoryofchemistry
    • Tell me how your life relates to chemistry! E-mail me at steve@historyofchem.com
    • Get my book, O Mg! How Chemistry Came to Be, from World Scientific Publishing, https://www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/12670#t=aboutBook
    Show More Show Less
    2 mins
  • 2: All Fired Up

    2: All Fired Up
    May 7 2022

    This episode discusses examples of chemical change known to prehistoric humanity, from fire to fermentation, from annealing and smelting copper to glazing pottery, from heating ochre to change its color to the first use of bronze.

    Support the show

    • Support my podcast at https://www.patreon.com/thehistoryofchemistry
    • Tell me how your life relates to chemistry! E-mail me at steve@historyofchem.com
    • Get my book, O Mg! How Chemistry Came to Be, from World Scientific Publishing, https://www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/12670#t=aboutBook
    Show More Show Less
    17 mins

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Profile Image for Dr. Luke Iggulden

Brilliant! A Must for all Lovers of Chemistry and Science!!

I have been listening to The History of Chemistry at every opportunity fir the past couple of weeks, (currently up to episode 89) it is fantastic! Prof. Cohen does an amazing job of weaving an entertaining and informative tale.

More was needed about Therophrastis Bombastus von Honheim (Paracelsus) during the alchemical, early medicinal chemistry and toxicology, however. He was a key player and was only mentioned in passing.

Hoping there is some phytochemistry and drug discovery (from nature) coming up! But that is just my scientific bent.

keep up the great work, team!

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