Search Kids Discover

Marvelous Mauve

  • March 2, 2014
  • By KIDS DISCOVER

Working in a lab in 1853, British chemist William Perkin tried to create quinine, an antimalarial drug then made from cinchona trees. Instead, the 18-year-old came up with the first synthetic dye, the bluish purple we call mauve. He began manufacturing it — and pioneered a new industry.

About the author

Kids Discover For over 25 years, we’ve been creating beautifully crafted nonfiction products for kids. With a specialty in science and social studies, our team of talented writers, award-winning designers and illustrators, and subject-experts from leading institutions is committed to a single mission: to get children excited about reading and learning.