Cosmetic Science History - The first cosmetic chemist
While answering a reporter’s question about the hisotry of cosmetics, I came across the name Johann Bartholomaeus Trommsdorff. He lived from 1770-1837 and according to the source, he is considered the first cosmetic chemist.
This is primarily because of a book he published in 1805 called “Kallopistria, or the art of the toilet for the fashionable world”. It is “…a guide to perfumes and toilet preparations, harmless formulations, powders, pomades, face painting, pastes, aromatic baths and of all the relevant funds, which serve to enhance the beauty…”
Johann seems like he would’ve fit right in with Chemists Corner and the Society of Cosmetic Chemists. In 1795 he founded a pharmaceutical studies institute in Germany where he taught people to become pharmacists (and to make cosmetic products). Over the years he trained 300+ students in the subject and wrote 34 books.
Kallopistria
Google has actually made a copy of the book available online for free. You can see Kallopistria here.
Unfortunately, I do not know any German so the contents of the book is completely baffling to me.
Anyone speak German out there that can translate? Mostly, I want to read just one of the formulations that he has published. But I can’t even tell where the formulas are or what they are for.
