While analyzing chemical properties of coal tar one day, Constantin Fahlberg licked his fingers.  They tasted sweet.  It was an incredible stroke of luck.  Fahlberg surmised that the sweet taste came from coal tar compounds. After isolating the chemicals, he had a zero-calory sweetener, which he named saccharin.  Fahlberg’s invention went on to become extremely popular in times of sugar shortages and wartime rationing.  It has been widely used in food and beverages for a century and a half.  Saccharin has also become essential as a sugar substitute for people with diabetes.

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