History of chemistry

Depending on one's perspective on the defining province of chemistry, one might trace the history of chemistry as far back as the emergence of our species, or even to earlier times in our ancestral hominin lineage.

Where should we begin? Did chemistry come into being when practical information began to be acquired and transmitted? In that case we have to start with prehistoric times, with the first techniques for making and controlling fire, the first processes for dyeing cloth and fermenting wine, and the first pharmacopoeias. Or does it begin with the first elements of rational knowledge? In that case it must start with the pre-Socratic philosophers and the earliest atomic and elemental theories. If our story begins with the link between theory and practice, alchemy must be the starting point. If a "history of chemistry" should be limited to that chemistry clearly identified as a science, the seventeenth century is the necessary origin.

Archaic Homo sapiens, perhaps as early as 200,000 years ago, undoubtedly distinguished earth in its variety of textures and colors; experienced air in its manifestations as wind, in its various states of humidity; experienced fire as something to fear and perhaps begin to use; and, water, as rain, sweat and dew, as potable or not, as wet, as thirst-quenching, as something precious. Sometime during the course of hominin evolution, those experiences became conscious experiences, coupled with the ability to think symbolically through gesticulation and vocalization. Then those experienced aspects of their chemical environment likely became important topics of discussion.