Chromium forms many colorful compounds that have industrial uses. Lead chromate (PbCrO4), also known as chrome yellow, has been used as a yellow pigment in paints. Chromic oxide (Cr2O3), also known as chrome green, is the ninth most abundant compound in the earth's crust and is a widely used green pigment. Rubies and emeralds also owe their colors to chromium compounds.
The debates between Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln have been described as the most famous war of words in history.. The two men, the Democratic Little Giant and the Republican Tall Giant, met for a series of debates throughout Illinois.
Douglas ultimately defeated Lincoln in the race for that Senate seat, but it was Lincoln who gained the most from the contest. Two years later, boosted by his reputation as a brilliant orator, Lincoln handily defeated Douglas in the presidential race. In 1854, Illinois Senator Stephen Douglas sponsored the Kansas-Nebraska Act.