NewYorkFirst.com: Chemistry Lab Set

Better Living Through Chemistry.

The heritage of the chemistry set is centuries old. Sets designed for druggists, for medical students, or for the amusement and edification of the upper classes, appeared in the late 18th century. The era of World War I, which hastened the growth of America’s burgeoning chemical industry, also catalyzed a rebirth of the chemistry set. A. C. Gilbert, helped foster an enhanced awareness of chemistry and chemists during this period, especially among young people, to whom performing experiments was a rite of passage.

The eminent firm of Thames & Kosmos produces a modern version, chock-full of fascinating experiments and tricks. The set is a complete introduction to the most important topics in chemistry. Discover the fascinating chemistry behind how everyday things work. Understand chemical reactions that turn the ordinary occurrences around us into remarkable events. Start with fun experiments to learn basic chemistry principles. Build a mini fire extinguisher and float a soap-powered boat. Write with invisible ink and test colored markers on the chromatography racetrack. Make dazzling colors in flame tests and produce electricity in a test tube. Entertain friends with “magic” tricks, then enlighten them with the scientific explanations behind the magic.

After you have some lab experience, you will learn how to safely use the alcohol burner and perform experiments that require heat. Separate mixtures, add carbon dioxide to water and produce oxygen gas from hydrogen peroxide. Experiment with fuels and combustion. Make hydrochloric acid. Learn how chemistry helps us in cooking and cleaning. Prepare a substance that glows in the dark.

The set provides a full range of contents, as well as clear instructions for preparing and performing the experiments, including safety advice, explanations for the observed occurrences, and answers to questions about the results. Thorough safety precautions and instructions ensure safe experimentation. Professional quality equipment and a 96-page, full-color, easy-to-follow Experiment Manual help make the most of 250 chemistry experiments.

For aspiring young chemists, chemical engineers, lab technicians and researchers, ages 12 and older.