AD HOC (Association for the Discussion of the History of Chemistry) is a group dedicated to the history of chemistry. While our main focus is historical, we also consider the philosophical, sociological, public and educational dimensions of chemistry.
AD HOC has been meeting in various configurations since the summer of 2004, first at UCL and then also in Cambridge since 2010. Since 2008 our activities have been generously supported by the Society for the History of Alchemy and Chemistry (SHAC).
This term we will hold hybrid meetings, on Mondays, 5.00–6.30pm in the Board Room and online. The links for joining the online meetings, the exact specification or copies of the readings, and all updates on future activities will be circulated to the mailing list of the group. If you would like to be on the list please email Hasok Chang (hc372) or Mika Hyman (mjh291).
Lent Term 2025
10 February
Emma Spary (History, University of Cambridge)
Food chemistry in Enlightenment France
24 February
Paulina S. Gennermann (Recent History, Philipps-University Marburg)
Synthesising vanillin
3 March
Carolyn Cobbold
The history of food dyes
10 March
Mika Hyman (HPS, University of Cambridge)
The discovery and early development of sucralose