Tapputi, who is also referred to as Tapputi-Belatekallim, was an ancient Mesopotamian chemist.

Her name is etched into history as it appears in a cuneiform tablet dating back to the second millennium BCE.

This makes her the first chemist known by name in history.

While she was living in ancient Babylon, she served as a palace overseer.

However, she is primarily remembered due to her contributions to the art and science of perfumery.

Distillation Techniques and the Oldest Referenced Still

Tapputi’s distillation and perfume-making techniques were astonishingly advanced for her time.

She made use of various botanicals, flowers, oils, and other natural substances, adding water or other solvents, and then distilling and filtering them several times to create blended fragrances.

This process is documented in the cuneiform tablet and bears a striking resemblance to methods still used by modern perfumers.

The tablet also mentions the oldest referenced still.

Impact on Modern Perfumery

Although Tapputi’s methods were developed more than three millennia ago, the basic principles she employed in the distillation process remain at the core of perfume-making today. Many of these techniques are still used in modern perfumery and even though they have certainly been refined since the days of Tapputi, she helped lay the groundwork for the multi-billion dollar fragrance industry that we see today.

Legacy and Educational Relevance

Tapputi’s legacy is not just in the techniques she developed; it’s also in her role as a pioneering woman in the field of science.

At a time when women were not commonly recognized for their contributions to science and technology, Tapputi’s acknowledgment on a cuneiform tablet is often thought of as both extraordinary and inspirational to countless women who have followed in her footsteps.

Tapputi’s story is also increasingly finding a place in educational settings. As an ancient female scientist, her story offers an alternative to the traditionally male-dominated narratives in science history. By including her in curricula, educators can provide a more diverse and inclusive representation of historical figures in science, thereby inspiring a broader range of students to consider careers in science and technology.