The history of soap
Soap is a common household item that we use every day to keep ourselves and our surroundings clean. But have you ever wondered how soap came to be and how it changed the course of human history? In this post, we will explore the origins, evolution and impact of soap on various aspects of society, culture and health.
The origins of soap
The earliest evidence of soap making dates back to around 2800 BC in ancient Babylon, where clay cylinders inscribed with a recipe for soap making were found. The Babylonians discovered that combining animal fats with wood ash produced a substance that could make cleaning easier. The first soap was used to wash wool for the textile industry.
Soap making spread to other civilisations, such as Egypt, China, India and Greece. Soap was mainly used for washing clothes and for medicinal purposes. In ancient Rome, soap was made from goat's fat and beech tree ashes and was used as a pomade for hair. However, soap was not widely used for personal hygiene until much later.
The evolution of soap
A major breakthrough in soap making occurred in 1791 when a French chemist named Nicholas Leblanc patented a process for making soda ash from common salt. Soda ash is an alkali that can be combined with fat to form soap. This process made soap making cheaper and more accessible.
Another innovation came in 1823 when a French engineer named Michel Eugene Chevreul discovered that fats are composed of fatty acids and glycerin. He also found out that different fatty acids give different properties to soap such as hardness, lather and cleansing ability.
In the 19th century, soap making became an industrialised process with the introduction of steam engines, mechanized equipment and large-scale factories. Soap makers also experimented with different ingredients such as palm oil, coconut oil, olive oil and synthetic detergents. Soap became more varied in shape, color, scent and function.
The impact of soap
Soap has had a profound impact on human history in many ways. Here are some examples:
1. Public health
Soap is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of diseases caused by poor hygiene. Soap works by breaking apart the lipid membranes of many bacteria and viruses, including the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. By washing our hands with soap and water, we can remove these harmful pathogens from our skin and protect ourselves and others from infection.
Soap has a long history that dates back to ancient times. The first documented use of soap is described on a cuneiform tablet found in Girsu. According to chemical archaeologist Martin Levy, the tablet was written 4,500 years ago and concerns the manufacture of soap from animal fat and alkali salts. Soap was probably discovered by accident when rain washed animal fat and ashes into rivers, creating a lather that could clean clothes and skin.
Soap was not widely used for personal hygiene until much later. In fact, many people in Europe avoided bathing for centuries because they believed it would make them sick. It was not until the mid-19th century that soap became associated with health and cleanliness. This was partly due to the work of Ignaz Semmelweis, a Hungarian doctor who demonstrated that washing hands with soap before delivering babies reduced maternal mortality rates significantly. He discovered this after noticing that women who gave birth in a hospital ward staffed by medical students had higher death rates than those who gave birth in a ward staffed by midwives. He realized that the medical students were carrying germs from dissecting corpses to their patients, causing deadly infections. He ordered them to wash their hands with soap and chlorine before attending births, and soon saw a dramatic drop in deaths.
Semmelweis's findings were later confirmed by Louis Pasteur, a French scientist who proved that germs cause diseases and that soap can kill them. Pasteur also developed vaccines for anthrax and rabies, which further advanced public health. His germ theory of disease paved the way for modern medicine and hygiene practices.
Today, soap is widely available and affordable in most parts of the world. However, there are still millions of people who lack access to clean water and sanitation facilities. According to UNICEF, more than 800 children die every day from preventable diseases linked to poor hygiene. Washing with soap and water is one of the key public health practices that can significantly slow the rate of a pandemic and limit the number of infections. Soap is not only a life-saving substance but also a symbol of progress and civilization.
2. Social status
Soap is a product that we use every day for personal hygiene and cleaning. But did you know that soap has a long and fascinating history that dates back to ancient times? In this blog post, we will explore how soap enhanced social status by creating a distinction between those who could afford it and those who could not.
Soap is made by mixing fats and oils with an alkali, such as ashes or lime. The earliest evidence of soap-like materials comes from ancient Babylon around 2800 BC. However, soap was not widely used for washing the body until much later. In medieval Europe, bathing was considered a luxury reserved for the nobility and the wealthy, who had access to private baths or public bathhouses. Soap was also a symbol of refinement and sophistication, as it was used to give a reddish tint to the hair or to disperse skin diseases.
Soap was mainly produced for the cloth industry, to prepare wool for dyeing. Soap-making was a craft that involved secret recipes and techniques handed down from generation to generation. Different towns had their own varieties of soap, such as Bristol, Coventry and London in England. Soap was expensive and taxed heavily, making it unaffordable for most people. The poor had to rely on water alone or use alternatives like sand or clay for cleaning.
Therefore, soap enhanced social status by creating a distinction between those who could afford it and those who could not. Soap was a sign of wealth, luxury and cleanliness that set apart the upper classes from the lower ones. Soap also reflected cultural values and preferences, such as the desire for red hair or smooth skin. Soap-making was an art that required skill and knowledge, which added to its prestige.
Today, soap is widely available and affordable for everyone. We can choose from different types of soap with various ingredients, scents and colors. We can also appreciate the history and science behind this everyday product that has been with us for millennia.
Soap is more than just a product that we use daily. It is a product that has shaped human history in many ways. From its humble beginnings in ancient Babylon to its modern variations today, soap has revolutionised the world by improving health, enhancing status, influencing culture and empowering people.
Our natural soaps
If you are looking for a natural and ethical way to cleanse your skin, you might want to try our natural soap bars. They are vegan friendly, cruelty free and hand made in small batches in the UK. Our soap bars are made with natural ingredients such as almond . They are gentle on your skin and the environment. You can choose from a variety of scents and colours to suit your mood and preferences. Our natural soap bars are perfect for yourself or as a gift for someone special.
Want more? Read our blog post on soap and traveling.