The rare book collection contributes to the educational program of the college by introducing students to unique primary source materials in the context of their academic course work and through regularly scheduled public exhibitions.

About the Exhibit

From state-of-the-art laboratories, new medical breakthroughs, and novel publications, chemical advancements seem to make headlines almost daily; but did you know that the origins of chemical thought trace back to Ancient Greece? The progression from speculative philosophy, to alchemy, and eventually chemistry spans centuries. The history of scientific inventions and theories was written in letters and experimental studies, waiting to be discovered by the public eye. This exhibit brings together the work of famous scientists such as Robert Boyle, Henry Cavendish, and even Benjamin Franklin in a display that showcases the groundbreaking discoveries that created the foundations of modern chemistry today.

“Making Waves: Revolutionary Scientists and the Evolution of Chemical Discovery” not only introduces never before seen materials from the A.M. Todd Rare Book Room collection but also includes additions from current Kalamazoo College professors and how their work uses ideas from these novel publications, connecting past discoveries with current research on campus.

Previous Exhibits