History of Soap Making Spencer’s Farm shares the history of soap making. The earliest recorded evidence of soap-like materials traces back to approximately 2800 BC, found in clay cylinders during the excavation of ancient Babylon. 
Approximately 2200 BC, soap formula inscriptions were written on clay saying, fats were boiled with ashes, which are a way of making soap, but there was no reference to the purpose of the soap. Approximately 1500 BC, ancient Egyptians used animal and vegetable oils, combined with alkaline salts, to create a soap-like substance used for treating skin diseases as well as for washing. Around 600 BC the Phoenicians used soap for cleaning wool, cotton and textiles instead of for human washing. The early Greeks did not use soap. They washed themselves with blocks of clay, pumice, sand and ashes then anointed themselves with oil. 
Afterwards, they scraped sweat and dirt off using a curved bladed metal instrument called a strigil. Much later, in the second century AD, the famous Greek physician, Galen, recommended washing with soap as a preventative measure for certain diseases, especially diseases of the skin. Bathing became popular in the Roman times. An entire soap factory was discovered in the ruins of Pompeii in 79 AD. The Romans exfoliated using abrasive substances like sand and pumice then scraped off the grime and dirt with sticks or a strigil. Luxurious scented baths and massages followed exfoliation rituals, with perfumed oils. By the 13th century the soap industry was introduced from Italy into France. Most soap was produced from the tallow of goats, with beech ash furnishing the alkali. Moving forward in the history of soap making, Great Grandma rendered animal fats to get oils, so she was limited to tallow or lard. We have all kinds of terrific oils to choose from, but lard with olive and coconut oil makes wonderful, basic, castile-type soap. Great Grandma had to make her own lye. We have standardized lye available, commercially. In the beginning, I researched the science facts; chemical qualities of different oils, the active properties of botanicals, the results of saponification and the physical properties of lather and bubbles. The result from all of this research became known today as mild and gentle,
Spencer's Farm teaches how to make soap! This DVD package has an abundance of soap making information. BONUS! Receive a soap making kit, at a reduced price, with the purchase of this DVD package! Get started making soap, today! 
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