We hear about the age of discovery of hormones and antibiotics, from the 1930s to the 1950s. Russell Marker left Penn State to find a plant from which to synthesize progesterone, so we learn about the trials and tribulations of the Mexican firm Syntex. Carl Djerassi joined Syntex and invented norethindrone. We learn of more fungal- and bacterial-based antibiotics, from streptomycin to tetracyclines, vancomycin, and methicillin--and what MRSA is.<a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/thehistoryofchemistry">Support the Show.</a><ul> <li>Support my podcast at <a href='https://www.patreon.com/thehistoryofchemistry'>https://www.patreon.com/thehistoryofchemistry</a> </li> <li>Tell me how your life relates to chemistry! E-mail me at steve@historyofchem.com</li> <li>Get my book, O Mg! How Chemistry Came to Be, from World Scientific Publishing, <a href='https://www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/12670#t=aboutBook'>https://www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/12670#t=aboutBook</a> </li> </ul>

57: The Future is Plastics

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 !