Comments on: Home Chemistry: A New Guide for Hobbyists and Home Schoolers

By: catgirl

catgirl — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 09:47:55 +0000

When I was 11, I asked my parents for a nice microscope like the ones we used at school. Instead, I ended up with a cheap crappy one. Since I never used it, my parents assumed I just wasn’t interested and I never got a better one.

By: Robert E. Harris

Robert E. Harris — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 02:06:33 +0000

Used chemistry texts should be ok. Chemistry the Central Science is ok, but there is little new in the newer editions. On bookfinder.com I find 22 offers of old editions for less than $5 including shipping Check your local Salvation Army store (or other used stuff store) for copies of any general chemistry book. The ones that are 20 years old should be just as useful as new ones.

By: the real me

the real me — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 20:04:46 +0000

Then there’s always the locally owned and operated Blister Microscope for $69.95!
http://www.blistermicroscope.com/index.htm

By: Jason Thibeault

Jason Thibeault — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 18:57:31 +0000

Jealousy! My parents got me one of those home electronics kits (with the 80 different included projects and a slew of copper wires and springs to attach them to), instead, figuring I was less likely to blow up the dog. They were probably right. Though I took great pleasure in wiring up the tweeter to make noise at random intervals.

Saw a USB microscope on ThinkGeek the other day — if it wasn’t so bloody expensive I might get one just to toy with. http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/electronic/9955/

By: CybrgnX

CybrgnX — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 18:50:08 +0000

I had one of these sets and the advance microscopy set and an electonics lab. I had hours of fun and learning. And I went way beyond them with additions from stores and the kitchen. I ‘macGivered’ a lot of stuff. Guess what? I’m still here, did not blow up the house (my dad would not get the stuff needed for nitroglycern), and I did not harm or kill anyone. The ‘sue’ nature of America is a disgrace. The kits were my 1st steps into my present world of failure mode analysis and material analysis for various companies around the world. I still have the materials of these kits in the form of a very large lab, where I get paid to play with my chemistry set.

By: JestrBob

JestrBob — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:23:42 +0000

I had that exact chemistry set as a child. Setting on top of my computers hutch, setting my microscope from that kit. It use used to reminding me that the humble tool I had a child, out preformed the 1st microscopes.

Today’s children seem to be lost in a maze of technology that we old farts would stand an drool over when we were young.

I stood in line once for 6 hours. (I was about 11 years old) to get Quick Four minutes at a “big” scope on Mt Hamilton to make a quick sketch. This was the 12 inch refractor built for Henry Draper. Since I was near the end of the line the operator gave me a few more minutes to finish my sketch. When I was done one of the other operators remarked it was well done and I had managed to sketch just what I could see. I guess I was lucky my school instructor knew someone that was nice enough to let a small group of school children visit.

I glad to see people writing books for use with these basic tools. There is nothing wrong with being self taught. I taught myself how to do many things over the years.

By: CyberLizard

CyberLizard — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:36:22 +0000

I used to have a chemistry set like that as a kid. Didn’t have anyone to really show me how to get the most out of it, though. I was probably too young (8 or so). Apparently there’s lots of chemistry in the anarchists cookbook. Not that I’ve tried any of them.

By: Stacy

Stacy — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:57:12 +0000

Bbbbut what fun is it if you don’t get to blow stuff up? 🙁

By: Crane

Crane — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:15:37 +0000

Excellent recommendation! Thank you!