History of Chemistry - Chemical Heritage Foundation

Making Modernity: The Chemical Heritage Foundation's permanent exhibition

The Chemical Heritage Foundation is a library, museum, and center for scholars. Located in Philadelphia, CHF maintains world-class collections, including instruments and apparatus, rare books, fine art, and the personal papers of prominent scientists, all related to the chemical and molecular sciences.

CHF also hosts conferences and lectures, supports research, offers fellowships, and produces educational materials. Our programs and publications provide insight on subjects ranging from the social impact of nanotechnology to alchemy’s influence on modern science.

Our new museum is now open!

Learn more about our exhibits and collections.

Plan your visit: check hours, get directions, and schedule tours.

Quick links

	Othmer Library catalog

	Classroom resources

	Events calendar

	Visitor information

CHF events

	2008 Ullyot Public Affairs Lecture : "The French Choice: Nuclear Power and Other Energies for a Sustainable Future," 20 November

	Brown Bag Lecture : "Lesson from the Arsenic Wars: The Image of the Mad Alchemist and the Crisis in Forensic Science," 2 December

	Brown Bag Lecture : "Ancient Imprints: The Origins of Invisible Ink in the Arts of War and Love," 9 December

	Molecules That Matter Lecture: "Linking Proteins, Wires, Dots, and Molecules into Useful Devices," 9 December

	Joseph Priestley Society Meeting: Michael Adang, Professor, University of Georgia, 11 December

	Chemical Heritage CHF's newsmagazine Fall 2008 • Images of Modernity • The Nylon Revolution • The First Century of AIChE		Distillations CHF's weekly podcast Delish! This week’s culinary sound bites combine “umami,” poetry, and magnesium. Listen to the podcast.

	Policy Center for Contemporary History and Policy Leading initiatives in biotech, electronics, the environment, innovation, nanotech, and pharmaceuticals.		Featured book Poetry and Chemistry For centuries alchemy and chemistry have provided inspiration to poets, playwrights, and philosophers. Explore the books.

	Press room CHF in the news CHF's museum recently received shining reviews in the Wall Street Journal and gophila.com! See all media coverage.		Multimedia Blogs and video • New! The Center • Periodic Tabloid • The Collective Voice • Distillations • Chemical Explorers video

	Featured oral history Alfred R. Bader Bader founded Aldrich Chemical Company, now part of Sigma-Aldrich Corporation, in August 1951. Discover his story.		Molecular milestones The science of smell Of all our senses, the sense of smell offers the most direct connection between the world and our brain. Learn more.