Chemistry set
A chemistry set is an educational toy allowing the user (typically a teenager) to perform simple chemistry experiments.
The best known such sets were produced by the A. C. Gilbert Company, an early and middle 20th-century American manufacturer of educational toys. Porter Chemical Company, with the Chemcraft sets, and the Skilcraft corporation were other manufacturers. Well known chemistry sets from the United Kingdom include the 1960s and 1970s sets by Thomas Salter Science (produced in Scotland) and later Salters Science, then the "MERIT" sets through the 1970s and 1980s. Dekkertoys created a range of sets which were similar, complete with glass test tubes of dry chemicals. The modern offerings, with a few exceptions, tend to have less in the way of chemicals and very simplified instructions. A GCSE equipment set was produced offering students better quality equipment, and there is also a more up market range of sets available from Thames & Kosmos such as the C3000 Kit.[1][2]
Several authors have noted that from the 1980s on, concerns about illegal drug production, terrorism and legal liability have led to chemistry sets becoming increasing bland and unexciting.[3][4]
Contents |
Contents [edit]
Typical contents found in chemistry sets, including equipment and chemicals, might include:
Equipment [edit]
- vials of dry chemicals
- wires or filings of various metals, as copper, nickel or zinc
- graphite rods
- a balance and weights
- a measuring cylinder
- a thermometer
- a magnifying glass
- pipettes
- beakers, retorts, flasks, test tubes, U-tubes or other reaction vessels
- cork stoppers
- watch glasses
- glass and rubber tubing
- test tube holders, retort stands and clamps
- an alcohol burner or other heat source
- a filter funnel and filter paper
- universal indicator paper or litmus paper
- safety goggles
- an instruction manual
Chemicals [edit]
- Aluminium ammonium sulfate
- Aluminium sulfate
- Ammonium chloride
- Borax
- Calcium chloride
- Calcium hydroxide
- Calcium oxide
- Calcium oxychloride
- Calcium sulfate
- Cobalt chloride
- Copper chloride[disambiguation needed]
- Copper sulfate
- Ferric ammonium sulfate
- Ferrous sulfate
- Gum arabic
- Magnesium ribbon
- Magnesium chloride
- Magnesium sulfate
- Manganese sulfate
- Phenolphthalein
- Potassium chloride
- Potassium iodide
- Potassium permanganate
- Potassium sulfate
- Powdered charcoal
- Powdered iron
- Sodium bisulfate
- Sodium bisulfite
- Sodium carbonate
- Sodium ferrocyanide
- Sodium silicate
- Sodium thiosulfate
- Strontium chloride
- Sulfur
- Tannic acid
- Tartaric acid
- Zinc sulfate
The experiments described in the instruction manual typically require a number of chemicals not shipped with the chemistry set, because they are common household chemicals:
- Acetic acid (in vinegar)
- Ammonium carbonate ("baker's ammonia" or "salts of hartshorn")
- Citric acid (in lemons)
- Ethanol (in denatured alcohol)
- Sodium bicarbonate (in baking powder)
- Sodium chloride ("table salt")
Other chemicals, including strong acids, bases and oxidizers cannot be safely shipped with the set and others having a limited shelf live have to be purchased separately from a drug store:
See also [edit]
References [edit]
- ^ StanleyIn the United Kingdom, Thomas Salter Science produced a series of seven chemistry sets in the 1970s., Norm (July 12, 2002). "Amateur Science, 1900-1950: A Historical Overview". Proceedings and Presentations of the First Annual Citizen Science Conference. Society for Amateur Scientists. Retrieved February 16, 2011.
- ^ DiVernieri, Rosie (2006). "The Chemistry Set: From Toy to Icon". Chemical Heritage Magazine (Chemical Heritage Foundation) 24 (1): 22.
- ^ Von Korff, R.W. (2006). "Where Have the Chemistry Sets Gone?". The Midland Chemist (American Chemical Society) 43 (5).
- ^ Fuscaldo, Donna (December 11, 2007). "The Grinch Who Stole the Chemistry Set". Philosophy of Science Portal. Retrieved February 16, 2011.
External links [edit]
- Slideshow: Golden Age of Chemistry Sets
- The History of Chemistry Sets
- The Grinch Who Stole the Chemistry Set
- Chemistry Sets and Home Chemistry
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