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+--- Thread: Phosphorus Webinar with Principe (/showthread.php?tid=2626)
Phosphorus Webinar with Principe - Paul Ferguson - 10-31-2025
From the Bone-Yard to the Boardroom: The Cultural History and Sustainable Future of Phosphorus
Presenters:
Dr. Lawrence M. Principe Professor, Department of Chemistry and Department of History of Science and Technology, Johns Hopkins University and Winner of the 2020 ACS HIST award and
Jim Jenkins, PhD. Sustainability Futures Leadership
Moderator: Gary D. Patterson, PhD. American Chemical Society HIST Division
Description:
Join us in partnership with the American Chemical Society HIST Division for a provocative journey tracing the indispensable element Phosphorus (P) from its bizarre historical origins to its critical role in our global food supply and uncertain future. Phosphorus began its cultural journey shrouded in alchemical secrecy—its value guarded by those who could make it work. Today, its value is universally clear as a critical, non-renewable resource for all life on Earth. The new secret to its continued existence is not found in hiding knowledge, but in embracing the collective imperative to preserve, recycle, and manage it wisely for a sustainable future. This session bridges centuries, revealing:
The Cultural History: The story of the element’s discovery around 1665, how the secret of its preparation was wildly sought-after by alchemists, and how two chemists—Hennig Brand and Robert Boyle—mastered its preparation to their benefit.
The Sustainable Future: The critical role phosphate fertilizers play in feeding humanity, the pressing challenges facing the industry (including geopolitical cartels and scarcity), and an exploration of innovative, sustainable products that offer a glimpse into a more balanced and responsible future.
https://www.agrodiv.org/webinars/phosphorus-history-sustainable-future/