While products before industrial revolution were for sure made from natural sources, they were often processed and modified in ways that would not be considered organic today.
It might sound shocking but people relied solely on natural resources for their food, clothing, and medicine. This was the reality for centuries, before the Industrial Revolution transformed the way humans produce and consume goods. Today, the terms “natural” and “organic” are often used to market products, but what does it really mean? And would products from pre-19th centuries qualify as natural by today’s standards?
What was the situation a long time ago?
In the 18th century, the average household produced most of what they consumed. Farmers grew crops, raised livestock, and spun yarn into cloth. They relied on herbal remedies for ailments, and their homes were filled with furniture and utensils crafted from natural materials.
The Industrial Revolution brought about a dramatic shift. Factories replaced farms, and mass production replaced traditional crafts. Synthetic chemicals emerged as a new way to produce goods, offering efficiency and consistency. However, as we all know by now, these changes had an impact on human health and the environment.
The definition of “natural” is complex and evolving. Today, it’s often used to distinguish between products derived from synthetic chemicals and those derived from natural sources. However, this distinction can be blurred, as many natural products have been processed or modified.
For example, table salt is a natural mineral, but it’s often refined and fortified with iodine. Similarly, cotton is a natural fiber, but it’s often bleached and treated with chemicals to make it softer and brighter. Similarly, wool and linen were often washed with harsh detergents and bleached with harsh chemicals in those very old times. In the absence of modern detergents, people often relied on harsh natural substances like lye, a strong alkali derived from wood ash or animal fat, to clean their clothes. Lye was effective at removing dirt and stains, but it could also damage fabrics and irritate skin.
Bleach
Bleach, another important textile treatment, was traditionally achieved through the use of harsh chemicals like sulfur dioxide or chlorine. These chemicals effectively removed natural pigments from fabrics, but they could also leave behind residual chemicals that could cause skin irritation or even respiratory problems.
Sulfur dioxide
Chemicals like sulfur dioxide and chlorine have been in use for various purposes for quite a long time. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) has been used historically in various industries. The industrial production and use of sulfur dioxide can be traced back to the 17th century. It has been employed in the production of sulfuric acid, a key industrial chemical, and also as a preservative in the food and beverage industry.
Chlorine
Chlorine (Cl2) has been utilized since the late 18th century. It became more widely used in the 19th century for water disinfection and as a bleaching agent in the textile industry. Chlorine’s use expanded with the development of the chemical industry, and it has been employed in various applications, including the production of plastics, solvents, and as a disinfectant.
Both sulfur dioxide and chlorine have important industrial applications, but their use requires careful handling due to their potential hazards to human health and the environment.
Wrapping up
While products before the 19th century were derived from natural sources, and it is true that most of them would still qualify as organic by today’s standards, many of them were processed and modified in ways that would not be considered natural today.
Cover image: New Inventions of Modern Times [Nova Reperta], The Invention of Copper Engraving, plate 19 by Jan Collaert I (Antwerp ca. 1530–1581 Antwerp)