Episode description

In 1856 William Henry Perkin was an 18 year old college student on spring break when he accidentally invented a method for creating synthetic purple dye, a storied color which also happened to be the most coveted in all of Europe.  Still, no one could have imagined William’s home experiment would inadvertently usher in the first science-based industry, making William rich and famous, bringing color to the masses, and ultimately changing the world.

Listen to the first two seasons of Killer Means Awesome to hear more incredible true stories.  Season one features amazing tales about recently discovered shipwrecks and Season two highlights biographies of people you really should know!