DA FAMA AO OSTRACISMO: OITO REAGENTES QUE DEIXARAM O AMBIENTE LABORATORIAL

FROM FAME TO OSTRACISM: EIGHT REAGENTS THAT LEFT THE LABORATORY ENVIRONMENT

Historical aspects related to eight reagents that were present in analytical chemistry laboratories in the first decades of the twentieth century are described. They have peculiarities that are based on their curious names or the purposes for which they were intended. Their presence in the laboratory environment reflected their industrial applications and the chemical analysis procedures used at that time. From the mid XXth century, with the migration of qualitative analysis to the chemistry teaching, these reagents have been replaced by others that today serve the same purposes as those previously used. However, many of them still retain their industrial importance. This historical overview emphasizes the importance of the evolution of chemicals and chemical assays for security and efficiency reasons. Learning from past experiences develops a critical spirit and laboratory behavior more committed to occupational hygiene and safety, without losing sight the learning power that qualitative analytical chemistry offers.

Keywords:
pyroligneous acid; Canada balsam; Kipp’s apparatus; asbestos; litmus; bone char