Phenol and its impact on history
Phenol played a pivotal role in a number of advantages that changed the world. Phenol was the very first man made polymer and it created the Age of Plastics. The very first artificial billiards balls were created out of a molecule called Bakelite.Bakelite is a polymer that is synthesized from phenol. During the early 1900's concern for elephants was growing. To create a perfect pool ball the center of the tusks would be cut out and only 1 out of every 50 were density necessary. In 1860 you would not want to go to a hospital. Hospitals were very dirty and grimy. This was until Joseph Lister discovered the use of phenol as a surgical antiseptic. Phenol become used worldwide as a disinfectant and helped greatly with the prevention of hospital disease.