Presented by The Chemical Heritage Foundation and featuring CHF Research Fellow Ben Gross, PhD.

But what exactly are liquid crystals? Who figured out they could be used in displays? And why did RCA—the company that oversaw their invention—never succeed in commercializing them? In this talk Ben Gross will provide a “behind the screens” tour of the science and history of the LCD.

Ben Gross is a research fellow in the Chemical Heritage Foundation’s Center for Contemporary History and Policy, where he oversees a variety of projects related to material innovation. He also serves as curator of “Innovations That Changed the World,” an exhibition on RCA’s contributions to the history of electronics at The College of New Jersey. Gross earned a Ph.D. in the history of science from Princeton University and is currently revising his doctoral dissertation on the development of the LCD for publication.

Science on Tap is a monthly science café in Philadelphia for anyone who is interested in getting together with other people to discuss a range of engaging science topics.

It's held at National Mechanics, a relaxed, convivial bar in Old City, and features a brief, informal presentation by a scientist or other expert followed by lively conversation.