Chemistry set

  A chemistry set is an educational toy allowing the user (typically a teenager) to perform simple chemistry experiments. The best known such sets were produced by the A. C. Gilbert Company, an early 20th century American manufacturer of educational toys.

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Typical contents might include:

• vials of dry chemicals
• wires or filings made from various metals, as copper, nickel or zinc
• graphite rods
• a balance and weights
• a measuring cylinder
• a thermometer
• a magnifying glass
• pipettes
• beakers, retorts, flasks, test tubes, U-tubes or other reaction vessels
• cork stoppers
• watch glasses
• glass and rubber tubing
• test tube holders, retort stands and clamps
• an alcohol burner or other heat source
• a filter funnel and filter paper
• universal indicator paper / litmus paper]
• safety goggles
• an instruction manual

Chemicals commonly found in chemistry sets include:

• Aluminum ammonium sulfate
• Ammonium chloride
• Borax
• Calcium chloride
• Calcium oxide
• Calcium sulfate
• Cobalt chloride
• Copper chloride
• Copper sulfate
• Ferric ammonium sulfate
• Ferrous sulfate
• Gum arabic
• Magnesium ribbon
• Magnesium chloride
• Magnesium sulfate
• Phenolphthalein
• Potassium chloride
• Potassium sulfate
• Powdered charcoal
• Powdered iron
• Sodium bisulfate
• Sodium carbonate
• Sodium ferrocyanide
• Sodium silicate
• Sodium thiosulfate
• Strontium chloride
• Sulfur
• Tannic acid

Concerns have been raised over the safety of chemistry sets, so many omit flammable chemicals, or else contain them in such small amounts that they pose relatively little danger. Likewise, they may also lack heat sources, breakable glass, and strong acids and bases. There has also been controversy over the possibility of chemistry sets being used to create illegal drugs, such as methamphetamine. Many experts criticize these movements, claiming that they "remove the fun and interest" from chemistry, rendering the sets bland and ineffectual.

• The History of Chemistry Sets

• The Grinch Who Stole the Chemistry Set