Silica gel is a desiccant, or drying agent, that was patented in 1919 by Walter A. Patrick at John Hopkins University in Baltimore Maryland. Despite its name, it is not a gel and should not be confused with silicon gel. Silica gel is a porous, granular form of silica, synthetically manufactured from sodium silicate. Silica gel is the highest capacity adsorbent available today. Comprised of tiny inter-connecting pores, silica gel attracts and holds moisture by adsorption and capillary condensation. Silica gel is inert, non-toxic, non-flammable and safe to use to protect foods, medicines, sensitive materials and much more. Even when saturated with adsorbed moisture, silica gel looks and feels dry to the touch.