Molecules That Changed History - Dr. Marty Jones - February 29, 2012

In this presentation, selected molecules, events, and persons
will be discussed to illustrate the connection between molecules
and history. For example, European exploration of the Orient
and the "New World" was largely driven by the desire for spices
(e.g., piperine from black pepper, eugenol and isoeugenol from
cloves and nutmeg, respectively). Continued demand for cotton
(cellulose) and sugar (sucrose) helped promote the slave trade.
Development of "The Pill" (norethindrone) helped spark (and
continues to support) the women's liberation movement.