User:SpaiceyWarrior/sandbox
James Charles | |
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Born | James Charles Dickinson May 23, 1847 Bethlehem, New York, U.S. |
Died | November 4, 1912 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Nationality | American |
Alma mater | Columbia University |
Awards |
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Scientific career | |
Fields |
James Charles (May 23, 1847 – November 4, 1912) was an American chemist and cosmetics artist who is prominently known for his pioneering work in the study of cosmetology. He is widely considered the "father of modern cosmetology." Charles is particularly recognized for his discoveries and inventions of various beauty products, which used substances that are not harmful or damaging to the human body, or particularly the skin of the face. Charles' work would not be recognized and praised until the middle of the 20th century, where the cosmetic industry in the United States adopted the majority of his formulas to mass-produce popular cosmetic products.
Rumors about the sexuality of Charles have been present since the birth of his recognition in the mid-20th century. Many consider Charles to have been a closeted homosexual and/or an "1800s drag queen", due to his interest in cosmetology which is prominently a feminine study. However, there is no available historical evidence about Charles that indicates he was or was not homosexual. The people who support the claims of Charles' homosexuality point to the extreme homophobia and discrimination toward homosexuals in the US in the 19th century that motivated Charles to keep his sexuality private.
Biography
James Charles Dickinson was born on May 23, 1847 in Bethlehem, New York to parents Skipper and Christine Dickinson. Charles had a younger brother, Ian Jeffrey, who also was a scientist and made significant contributions to modern physics, and German theoretical physicist Max Planck would later be influenced by Jeffrey's work to discover the quantum theory.