Chemical Recreations; A Series of Amusing and Instructive Experiments, Which May Be Performed Easily, Safely, and at Little Expense; To Which Are Pref
John Joseph Griffin
Paperback
(TheClassics.us, Sept. 12, 2013)
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1825 edition. Excerpt: ... CHEMICAL OPERATIONS AND APPARATUS. 254>. The very prevalent notion, that " a laboratory, fitted up with furnaces, and expensive and complicated instruments, &c. &c., is absolutely necessary for the performance of chemical experiments," is exceedingly erroneous. Tn fact, the truth of the matter is diametrically opposite to this opinion. " For general and ordinary chemical purposes," says Dr. Henry, " and even for the prosecution of new and important inquiries, very simple means arc sufficient: some of the most interesting facts of the science may be exhibited and ascertained with the aid merely of Florence flasks, of common phials, and of wine glasses. In converting these to the purposes of apparatus, a considerable saving of expense will accrue to the experimentalist; and he will avoid the encumbrance of various instruments, the value of which consists in show rather than real utility." It is a curious and instructive fact, that some of the most important discoveries in chemutry were made by persons who, either from choice, or motives of economy, used utensils of the very simplest character. The laboratory of the great Priestley cost a mere trifle; and it is well known how savingly Franklin went to work. We intend, in this section of our work, to give an account of the chemical processes of most frequent recurrence, and to describe with minuteness the instruments whose real utility, simplicity, and cheapness, entitle them G to be so distinguished. The student will also be informed where he may obtain the different utensils, and how much they will cost him. We shall also notice the precautions necessary to be observed in conducting processes, or handling substances that are in the least degree dangerous. In short, as we proceed with...