Flasks, used by Joseph Black

These pieces of chemical glassware were used in teaching demonstrations by Professor Joseph Black (1728-99) at Edinburgh University. They were made in the late 18th century, possibly at Leith.

The central flask has a constricted neck. The other two pieces are tubes for producing electrostatic charges after rubbing against leather or cloth: small pieces of paper would appear to 'stick' to them.

With his separation and identification of the first gas distinct from air (carbon dioxide), Black may be considered the father of pneumatic chemistry. Other gases, notably oxygen and nitrogen, were discovered in quick succession by other scientists.

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