Barbour R. Glassblowing for Laboratory Technicians...2ed 1978 torrent

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Practically every scientist must, with greater or lesser frequency, use laboratory glassware. Most have attempted at least some of the elementary operations of glassworking. Both experiences lead him to an awareness of those qualities of glass which, on the one hand, place at his disposal artefacts combining indispensable utility with considerable aesthetic appeal, and, on the other, require for the fabrication of these tools the skill of the craftsman fashioning an intractable material. The nature of this craft is such that nothing will replace the relationship of master and apprentice. As the author says: "Glassblowing... is an art, and mastery of an art needs courage and an adventurous spirit. Art also demands from those who take it up a measure of humility and dedication." Today, however, there is need for increasing depth of knowledge and skill in design to marry art to the service of experimental science, and in the more advanced chapters the author brings a wealth of experience to the writing, particularly of the sections on vacuum technique and interchangeable ground-glass joints. It is not easy to describe the techniques of glassworking or to acquire them from the reading of the printed word, but no beginner can fail to benefit from the wealth of practical information, set out in meticulous detail, contained in the earlier chapters and fully illustrated by the accompanying plates. Similarly, those conducting classes in schools and colleges will find much sage advice in the chapter on the organization of glassblowing classes