Before the beginning of the 19th century, the use of fats and oils was based on
empirical knowledge accumulated over many centuries, whereas today’s uses stem
largely from a knowledge of composition, structure, properties, and reactions of the
component fatty acids obtained through the application of scientific research. A thorough
understanding of the functions of the chemical and physical properties of the
edible fats and oils is a basic key to formulation of food products with the desired
performance attributes. Similarly, the chemical and physical properties of the raw
materials used for nonfood products have a decided bearing on the composition, performance,
and the quality of the product that can be produced from them.