In the

1850s, the world's foremost chemist moved next door to one of the world's foremost

scholars of classical history.

They instantly hated each other.

That chemist, Justice von Leibig, thought that

memorizing Greek and Latin odes and studying dead civilizations

was a stupid waste of time. It was so impractical how did

it help humankind. Leibig belonged to a generation of German scientists who were remaking the world, better living through chemistry.

He mocked his ivory tower neighbor as passé and ridiculous.

Still, life has a way of playing jokes on people.

Leibig had a daughter named Johanna and the classic scholar had a handsome son.

Guess what?

They fell in love.

Johanna was Leibig's favorite daughter.

She seemed smitten,

and the son was at least a doctor and somewhat scientific.

So Leibig sighed and grudgingly approved the marriage.

How could he deny his Johanna happiness?

And Johanna was happy.

Mostly.

She had six children with her husband, but struggled with one aspect of motherhood.

She could not produce enough milk to breastfeed.

...