6/30/2024 Caoutchouc

Caoutchouc, also known as natural rubber, is an elastic material derived from the latex sap of certain trees, primarily the Hevea brasiliensis. The term comes from the French adaptation of the indigenous word "caa-o-chu," meaning "weeping wood." Historically, its discovery and use date back to ancient Mesoamerican cultures, where civilizations like the Olmecs and Mayans used it for making balls, waterproofing textiles, and creating various tools. In the 19th century, the process of vulcanization, invented by Charles Goodyear, revolutionized its use, leading to the modern rubber industry. Humorous anecdotes about caoutchouc include its initial novelty in Europe, where early experiments often resulted in messy, sticky mishaps before its practical applications were fully understood.