The chemical bromine may be a lesser-known element on the periodic table but, during the 1800s, it was a key ingredient used in early medicines. And it was Herbert Henry Dow who, in 1892, invented a new and more streamlined method for extracting it. After moving to Cleveland as a child, Dow graduated from the Case School of Applied Science in 1888. Shortly after, he developed and patented his process for manufacturing bromine and created his first company. In 1896, he moved his company to Midland, Michigan, which offered a plentiful supply of bromine, and renamed it the Dow Chemical Co.
Why It Matters: Dow’s method is still used today to extract bromine for chemical products like medicines, pesticides and some plastics.
Cleveland Inventions: Bromine Extraction Advances Early Medicine
In the 1800s, Cleveland resident Henry Dow helped with bromine extraction, a key ingredient used in early medicines.
