Pickering emulsions and dispersions—an early perspective

The origin of Pickering (emulsion) stabilization, stabilization of interfaces by particles, is revisited, with emphasis on the earliest papers and patents and their significance. A de facto case of graphite stabilization can be identified in the mid-nineteenth century. A very slow growth of Pickering emulsification through the twentieth century is detailed, including a renaissance of Pickering emulsification at the millennial. This renaissance may be correlated with an important growth stage of colloidal physics that has been followed by an explosion of materials science and engineering. A brief summary of extensive applications since the 1980s and prospects of future developments are also provided. Graphical Abstract