Written for the Scientific American By Dr. M.Reimann, of Berlin Supposing it is required to dye 100 lbs. of raw silk, 12 lbs. of soap are boiled with a sufficient quantity of river or rain water ...

The find was made in the Shengjindian cemetery, a key region along the ancient Silk Road, where archaeologists began excavations in 2007. The woman, estimated to have been between 20 and 25 years old ...

Professor Daniel Nicodemo credits silk's price tag to its thermal conductivity and sturdiness. It's also easily dyed and doesn't cause skin irritation. So what do you think? Is silk worth the cost?