Aperture Science started out as a manufacturer of Aperture Science Self-Wash Containment Cloths. It is still a leading manufacturer of Self-Wash Containment Cloths, and provides Self-Wash Containment Cloths to every branch in the US Military (except the Navy). Aperture Science somewhat changed its direction towards science thanks to the Aperture Science 1978 Three-Tier R&D System. Any rumours that its founder invented this plan after contracting mercury poisoning in an attempt to poison the Naval Appropriations Committee is an outright fabrication by Black Mesa.