Traces the history of the antivivisection movement, examining issues related to the use of animals in studying the cause of rabies. Also discusses issues related to the current controversy over animal experimentation. (JN)

Describes a colorimetric titration instrument usable in the undergraduate laboratory that fulfills the objectives of ruggedness, freedom from ambient light interference, and low cost. Although accessories can be added (raising the price), the basic instrument is low priced and can be used manually with a simple voltmeter. (JN)

Suggests experiments to help develop understanding of photoconductivity, photometry, and the inverse square law in optics. The design of a simple absorption colorimeter is also described. (DH)

Background information and procedures are provided for an experiment in which an oxidation reaction is used to distinguish saturated from unsaturated fats. Results of the experiment lead to discussions and investigations of such areas as digestion chemistry, enzymes, hydrogenation, and the relationship between heart disease and fat consumption.…

Background information, procedures, and typical results are provided for an experiment in which spectrophotometry is used to examine the oxidation of secondary alcohols using chromium (VI). The overall change in oxidation state of chromium during the reaction is VI to III, corresponding to the familiar color change from orange to green. (JN)

Background information, procedures used, and typical results are provided for a solubility experiment. Among the 12 objectives of the experiment are: acquiring understanding of the terms "saturated,""unsaturated," and "supersaturated;" learning meaning of the expression "to approach equilibrium;" gaining…

Presents a series of experiments (involving immunological and serological techniques) in which a stained fabric is analyzed to determine if blood is present, and if so, whether it is of human origin. The experiments can be performed without expensive or sophisticated equipment and require only a minimal expenditure on consumable supplies. (JN)

Discusses the chemical nature of thermoplastic polymers and describes methods used to identify 29 of these substances. All methods selected are simple and rapid to use. (JN)

Background information, procedures used, and safety considerations are provided for experiments using natural gas. They include: (1) exploding a mixture of natural gas and oxygen; (2) testing for unsaturated hydrocarbons in natural gas; (3) substituting higher saturated hydrocarbons contained in kerosene with bromine; and (4) the pyrolysis of…

Describes quick and easy experiments that yield quantitative information on a variety of levels, emphasize the concept of experimental controls, and integrate the experimental with the theoretical using the organic phosphates as the experimental system. Background information, list of materials needed, and procedures used are included. (JN)

Describes a laboratory exercise which demonstrates qualitatively the specificity of the transport mechanism, including a consideration of the competitive inhibition, and the role of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in active transport. The exercise, which can be completed in two to three hours by groups of four students, consistently produces reliable…

Discusses: (1) applications of chemistry problems encountered in the forensic science laboratory; (2) chemistry and the courtroom (inspired by a Sherlock Holmes story); and (3) the 41 women who have won the Garvan award for achievement in chemistry. (JN)

Describes an undergraduate enzyme kinetics experiment which uses bovine erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase, a very stable enzyme commercially available in lyophilized form. Includes background information, reactions involved, procedures used, and the calculation of typical results obtained. (JN)

Provides background information on the development and action of the coumarin family of anticoagulants, focusing on an experimental procedure for the synthesis of dicumerol. Includes procedures used and safety considerations. (JM)

Discusses a successfully implemented laboratory experiment that compares the strengths and weaknesses of mechanical and computer models. The computer models used are available from the Quantum Chemistry Program Exchange (QCPE) at a modest price. (JN)