Prehistoric Polymers: Rubber Processing in Ancient Mesoamerica
Dorothy Hosler, Sandra L. Burkett, and Michael J. Tarkanian, Science 284, no. 5422 (1999): 1988–1991
Description
The landmark paper proving that Mesoamerican peoples practised complex polymer engineering by at least 1600 BCE, vulcanising Castilla elastica latex with Ipomoea alba juice to produce the rubber balls on which the game depended.
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The Academy · May 27, 2026
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