Abstract
Sulphur is a highly reactive element, and is therefore able to enter into a wide variety of chemical combinations, resulting in the formation of compounds of widely differing properties. Reactions involving sulphur, and the compounds which they produce, have stimulated and inspired people throughout the ages. Sulphur has always been associated with volcanoes, fires and smells. However, its story goes much further; sulphur is present in thousands of products of the chemical industry, which are in everyday use. These include car batteries, tyres, matches, paints, paper, textiles, food, detergents and pharmaceuticals. In Part 1 of this essay, the evolution of the role of sulphur in the history of mankind has been explained, through the lenses of etymology, geology, literature, art and chemistry. In Part 2, the role of sulphur in biochemistry and chemical technology is reviewed. In presenting these facets of the world of sulphur, a case is established, to show that sulphur is one of the most useful and interesting substances known to Man.