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You owe a great deal to urine on a personal level. This bright yellow fluid helps remove toxins and excess water from your body, preventing self-poisoning or the risk of literally bursting. Beyond individual health, urine has also played a significant role in societal advancements.
The newest installment in the American Chemical Society’s “Reactions” series provides a concise look at the remarkable contributions of urine. Its similarity to liquid gold captivated medieval alchemists, driving their fascination and leading to numerous discoveries that laid the groundwork for modern science and transformative innovations.
It’s important to highlight that alchemists weren’t the only ones in medieval times fascinated by urine. Doctors of that era often relied on inspecting, smelling, and even sampling their patients’ urine to diagnose illnesses.
The scientific fascination with urine continues to thrive. Modern chemists repurpose urine to create medications, generate electricity, and even produce potable water, a practice astronauts on the International Space Station are well acquainted with.
