Sulphur is one of the most abundant naturally accruing elements on the planet and has been known about for at least four thousand years. While there is no clear record on who first utilized sulphur, there are references to its use as a medicinal additive and mentioned in such works as the Bible and Homer’s Odyssey. Sulphur's modern name derives from the Latin and means the ‘ burning stone’. In Biblical text it is referred to as brimstone and is fuel used to create the fires of Hell.
The ancient Greeks and Romans not only incorporated sulphur for mundane uses but also utilized its high combustible properties to create some of the first chemical munitions. By mixing it with various substances such as tar, pine rosin, and various oils they created incendiary weapons, which wrecked havoc on other armies. During the time of Confucius (557? -479 BC), the Chinese created an explosive material using sulphur which was eventually brought to Europe in the fourteenth century and became known as gunpowder. With the increasing need for sulphur by alchemist and other industrial uses there became a growing requirement for the material. It was not until early chemist of the eighteenth century developed a need for a versatile and powerful mineral acid, in the form of sulphuric acid, did that need reach a critical point.
Beginning in the early twentieth century sulphur began to be mined in Brazoria County, using a method developed by the German chemist Herman Frasch. The Frasch Process utilizes sulphur’s low melting point, 239.65° Fahrenheit, and hot water to cheaply and easlily mine sulphur from the salt domes found on the Gulf Coast. Because of this Bryan, Hoskins and Damon Mounds were the key points for the extraction of this element.
Today sulphur is used in many everyday items such as matches, gunpowder, skin care products and batteries. Its industrial uses have been an important contribution in the birth of the Industrial Revolution and the growth of America as the worlds leading manufacturing giant. From the vulcanization of rubber to medicines and pesticides, sulphur is a significant ingredient.
The exhibit examines the recovery, processing and transportation of sulphur and the role in played in the economic development of Brazoria County.
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