Overview

We wash with soap several times every day, but how does it get us clean? Soap has been used for centuries worldwide and is key to health and hygiene. But how exactly does soap work? What is in it, and how do the ingredients come together to make something that can remove dirt and bacteria yet also be safe for our skin? How and Why Soap Works explores the science behind this everyday substance. With hands-on demonstrations to try at home you can: Explore the history of soaps and the science behind how they work Uncover basic concepts across chemistry and materials science Learn to develop and test your own scientific questions Along the way, journey through history, medicine, psychology, toxicology, and sustainability to discover that soap is more than just a cleanser. It’s an ancient innovation and an everyday material that shapes how we move through time and space.

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9781837676514

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Julian Silverman, PhD, is a chemist and educator teaching cosmetic and material science at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. While researching how to develop biobased surfactants from waste, he fell in love with exploring the diverse architectures small molecules assemble to create. His work translating science to non-scientists led him to the Science History Institute, where, as a Haas Fellow, he had the opportunity to dive deep into the historical, practical, and material history of soap. In addition to teaching and research, he has developed live science demonstrations for educational and public audiences, including Chemical (R)evolution, exploring the fine line between the chemical and biological origin of life.

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