Flasks, used by Joseph Black

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These flasks were used in classroom demonstrations or experiments by Professor Joseph Black (1728-99) at Edinburgh University. They were made in the late 18th century, possibly at Leith.

The flask on the left is of pale green glass with a round bottom. The one on the right is of thick dark-green glass. The necks of both are broken.

In addition to his academic duties as Professor of Chemistry at Edinburgh University, Black had an extensive private practice, both as a physician and as a consultant to some of the new industries then developing in Scotland.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-044-140-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1858.275.39
• Date: 1766 - 1799
  Late 18th century
  
• Material: Glass
  Flask / receiver
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Flask / receiver
  
• Subject: 4. CHEMISTRY, Apparatus and instruments, general (Departmental Classification)
  
• Who: Edinburgh University (Owner)
  Joseph Black (Owner)
  
• Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh, Leith
  
• Event:
• Description: One of a collection of apparatus and instruments from Edinburgh University used by Professors Black, Hope and Gregory - 10 flasks or receivers used by Dr Joseph Black, 1766 - 1799, probably Leith made
  
• References:
  • Anderson, R. G. W. 'A Source for 18th century Chemical Glass' in Dragoni, G., McConnell, A. & Turner, G. L'E. (eds.), Proceedings of the Eleventh International Scientific Instrument Symposium, Bologna, 1991. Bologna: 1994, pp 47-52 
  • Anderson, R. G. W., The Playfair Collection. Edinburgh: 1978, pp 136-7 & 142-7 
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