Re: History of "science lab"

"mollwollfumble" <David.Paterson@xxxxxxxx> writes:
Who invented the "science lab" taught in modern high schools?
And when?

This lab consistes of the following equipment:

Bunsen burner, heatproof mat, tripod, gauze mat, beaker, stirring rod,
evaporating dish, conical flask, test tube, test tube holder, test tube
rack, spatula, retort stand, bosshead, clamp, funnel and filter paper,
tongs, safety glasses, (crucible, pipe-clay triangle, mortar and
pestle).

I note the implicit admission that your teachers were forced to lock
away the squeeze wash bottles, too.

And schools' labs seem to share another common deficiency: NO MATCHES!
Whenever we needed to light the bunsens we had to stretch their rubber/
plastic hoses to reach from one bench to the next, or else carry around
flaming torches of rolled paper from one side of the room to the other!
Fortunately, some boys could always be relied on to produce a cigarette
lighter and furtively light that initial burner while the teacher's
attention was diverted elsewhere, then the rest of us could freely borrow
from his bunsen's flame.

I suspect that the "safety glasses" were not on the original list. The
"heatproof mat" may be more recent, too. Otherwise, the list looks as
if it pre-dates the widespread use of both plastic and electricity.

We didn't have safety glasses; did have asbestos mats.
--
John Savage (my news address is not valid for email)

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: History of "science lab"
    ... Bunsen burner, heatproof mat, tripod, gauze mat, beaker, stirring rod, ... evaporating dish, conical flask, test tube, test tube holder, test ... I suspect that the "safety glasses" were not on the original list. ... The universe and human stupidity; ...
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  • History of "science lab"
    ... Who invented the "science lab" taught in modern high schools? ... Bunsen burner, heatproof mat, tripod, gauze mat, beaker, stirring rod, ... evaporating dish, conical flask, test tube, test tube holder, test tube ... I suspect that the "safety glasses" were not on the original list. ...
    (sci.chem)
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