Always Has Been: Chapter 1: Ellen Swallow Richards and the Advancement of Refrigeration

In 1875, Ellen Swallow Richards, a pioneering environmental chemist, made significant contributions to the field of refrigeration. Known as the first woman admitted to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Richards applied scientific principles to domestic settings, improving household efficiency and food safety. Her innovations in refrigeration laid groundwork for modern practices, enhancing long-term food storage and reducing spoilage, thus impacting domestic technology and public health policy.