“This book is exciting and enjoyable to read, especially for anyone who is interested in glass. The book provides a dynamic introduction to glass via the history of glassmaking … . this book is highly recommended, whether you are a novice or an expert in glass research or you are just interested in glass and glassmaking. It is easy to read and understand, even for those individuals with minimal background knowledge in science and chemistry. This is a must read!” (Michael B. Jacobs, Journal of Chemical Education, Vol. 92 (3), 2015)

How Glass Changed the World

The History and Chemistry of Glass from Antiquity to the 13th Century

von Seth C. Rasmussen

Glass production is thought to date to ~2500 BC and had found numerous uses by the height of the Roman Empire. Yet the modern view of glass-based chemical apparatus (beakers, flasks, stills, etc.) was quite limited due to a lack of glass durability under rapid temperature changes and chemical attack. This “brief” gives an overview of the history and chemistry of glass technology from its origins in antiquity to its dramatic expansion in the 13th century, concluding with its impact on society in general, particularly its effect on chemical practices.