Hi all
Regarding the use of the term "chemical." One of the earliest instances is this

> 1605  The chymicall salte. in:  Chymicall & Hermeticall Physicke i. ix. 37 

As it happens, all of matter is chemical. There is no dichotomy between chemical and natural, except in general usage, such as

> Of or designating a method of farming or gardening which uses chemicals as fertilizers, pesticides, etc. Cf. organic adj. 8b.

But this is incorrect in several ways. The term "organic" means something entirely different in chemistry than it does in popular culture, as does the term "chemical."  The word chemical has become as meaningless as the word natural. Here is a correct usage

> 2004  The chemical reaction which takes place with the addition of the yeast converts the sugars in the wort to alcohol.  in: C. P. Shaw Whisky (new ed.) 25

Both sugar and alcohol are natural chemicals. Many natural substances are highly toxic as has been pointed out here countless times.

PLB

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