These images represent ten 20th century Molecules That Matter. The images on the left remind us how these molecules intersect with out lives; those on the right depict how chemists represent and visualize each molecule. If you'd like to learn more about these molecules, please explore the links in this website and come to the exhibit.

1900 - Aspirin

1910 - Isooctane

1920 - Penicillin

1930 - Polyethylene

1940 - Nylon 66

1950 - DNA

1960 - Progestin

1970 - DDT

1980 - Prozac

1990 - Buckyball and Nanotubes

MTM Photo Courtesy

Certified Pharmaceutical Company aspirin container, ca. 1920
Tang Museum, photo by Art Evans

Vintage Mobil gas station sign, ca. 1935
Courtesy Raymond Giguere, photo by Art Evans

"Thanks for Penicillin, He will come home!" Penicillin Advertisement, Schenley Laboratories, Inc., ca. 1941
Tang Museum, photo by Art Evans

Assorted Tupperware and polyethylene toys, 1950s - 2000
Courtesy Chris Daily and Tang Museum, photo by Art Evans

DuPont nylon Dress advertisement, ca. 1960
Tang Museum

Ovulen Pill Sample
Collection Chemical Heritage Foundation

Assorted Domestic DDT Sprayers, 1940s - 1960
Tang Museum, photo by Art Evans

Prozac Weekly sample, 2007
Tang Museum, photo by Art Evans

Babolat Teamline Tennis Racket, 2006
Courtesy Wilson Sports, Adult Zyvex Easton 3, CNT baseball bat, Youth Zyvex Easton 3, CNT baseball bat, and Courtesy Easton Sports
Photo by Art Evans