File under: So don’t try this at home
Chemistry sets are getting a tad passe, if not whimpy. Well, try this book on for size:
Controversy over potentially hazardous chemistry experiments is nothing new. This amazing book only lasted two editions because it was considered too dangerous for children. Now, only 126 copies exist in libraries. Fortunately, a beautiful PDF version is available online. Modern texts
still shy away from child-damaging pyrotechnic experiments but contain hundreds of very important projects. Geekkids can learn about gases and solids, acids and bases, atomic structure, osmosis, chemical bonding, solvents, crystallization… everything. Source: Geekdad – Wired Blogs
I downloaded the book and started to skim it. Holy crap there was stuff I wouldn’t consider trying outside of a very well equipped lab (fume hood and all safety stuff on hand), scarier there is stuff I wouldn’t try even in a lab. I’ve handled some really, really nasty stuff (carcinogens, mutagens, explosive mixtures, and highly exothermic reactions), so I’m not a lab wuss, but wow making hydrogen sulfide gas? Chlorine gas? Heck no.
Now, in the interest of science, it’s a great read. A supervised read for the older kids. Oh and remind them that you can’t pull batteries apart anymore (you’ll understand if you read it).
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