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The result of a Traube Cell experiment: prepare a potassium ferrocyanide solution, drop a few copper sulfate crystals into it, and over the next couple of hours watch some very organic looking rust-colored structures grow. The structures are hollow tubes and very delicate; disturbing the water causes them to collapse.
The field of view of this picture is about 3 inches (8 cm) from left to right. Thirteen exposures, focused at different depths, were combined to create a photo with unlimited depth of field.
My daughter set this up for a high school chemistry project. She shot a time lapse video where you can see the tubes grow. I thought the final result of the experiment looked interesting, so I tried to take a picture of it myself.
Chemcraft was a significant player in the world of children's chemistry sets, particularly in the early-to-mid 20th century. The Porter Chemical Company, which produced Chemcraft sets, was one of the leading manufacturers of educational chemistry kits. These kits were designed to inspire young scientists and were widely available in stores like Woolworth’s.
Chemistry sets, including Chemcraft, gained popularity in the 1930s and 1940s, but their peak came in the 1950s. They were marketed as educational toys that could introduce children to the wonders of chemistry, often containing a variety of real chemicals, labware, and instructional guides. Chemcraft was among the brands that helped establish chemistry sets as a staple of childhood learning.
Early chemistry sets, including those from Chemcraft, often contained substances that would be considered hazardous today. Some even included radioactive materials, cyanide, and strong acids. Concerns over toxicity and safety led to stricter regulations. Hazardous chemicals were removed, making sets safer but less exciting. Chemistry sets became more about learning than experimentation.
Today’s kits focus on safe, fun, and educational experiments, using household ingredients instead of dangerous chemicals. Digital and interactive chemistry kits have emerged, blending technology with hands-on learning. Chemistry sets have come a long way – from dangerous experiments to safe, engaging learning tools.
[Sources: Smithsonian Magazine, and Science History Institute Digital Collection]
[Note: "The Porter Chemical Company produced over a million chemistry sets before increasing consumer liability concerns led to its demise in the 1980s." -- Wikipedia]
Instructions:
Dissolve 1/4 tsp Na2SO4 in warm tap water.
Add universal indicator until solution is green.
Place on top of neodymium magnet.
Attach alligtaor clips to petri dish and 9 Volt battery.
References:
Dr. Chris Schrempp's "Fluidic Motor"
ChemEx play the Luminaire in Kilburn, 31st August 2006. photos by Scott Amore of the Butterflies of Love.
When we were in Port St. Joe in October 2006, we happened upon these cactus. Then in January 2007, Jim drove around again until he found them. I believe he is interested in some sort of chemistry experiment since he is an organic chemist. Who knows? Not me.
ChemEx play the Luminaire in Kilburn, 31st August 2006. photos by Scott Amore of the Butterflies of Love.
ChemEx play the Luminaire in Kilburn, 31st August 2006. photos by Scott Amore of the Butterflies of Love.
When we were in Port St. Joe in October 2006, we happened upon these cactus. Then in January 2007, Jim drove around again until he found them. I believe he is interested in some sort of chemistry experiment since he is an organic chemist. Who knows? Not me.
When we were in Port St. Joe in October 2006, we happened upon these cactus. Then in January 2007, Jim drove around again until he found them. I believe he is interested in some sort of chemistry experiment since he is an organic chemist. Who knows? Not me.
ChemEx play the Luminaire in Kilburn, 31st August 2006. photos by Scott Amore of the Butterflies of Love.
When we were in Port St. Joe in October 2006, we happened upon these cactus. Then in January 2007, Jim drove around again until he found them. I believe he is interested in some sort of chemistry experiment since he is an organic chemist. Who knows? Not me.
ChemEx play the Luminaire in Kilburn, 31st August 2006. photos by Scott Amore of the Butterflies of Love.