Scientific Soapmaking

Caveman Chemistry has received an unexpectedly warm reception from the hand-crafted soapmaking community, so much so that I am considering writing a book with the tentative title, Scientific Soapmaking. Since there are already many fine books for beginning and intermediate soapmakers, I would like to write a book for experienced soapmakers who are either curious about the chemistry of their craft or interested in formulating soaps with particular properties. I have begun research for the book and anticipate spending a large chunk of the Summer of 2007 in writing it.

If you are a soapmaker who would like to read and comment on periodic drafts of the book, please register for the Forum and join the “Soapmakers” group.

In May of 2005 I gave a lecture on the "Dreaded Orange Spots" at the annual convention of the Handcrafted Soap Makers Guild. I reworked this into an article for their journal. A reprint may be found in the menu bar.

In May of 2006 I gave a lecture on "Saponification Values" at the annual convention of the Handcrafted Soap Makers Guild. This will be reworked into an article for the journal. Until then, my lecture slides may be found in the menu bar.