SCIENCE DEMONSTRATION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 172, 29 October 1910, Page 7

SCIENCE DEMONSTRATION.

AT THE NEW PLYMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL. Six months ago a new science room, fitted with up-to-date apparatus, was opened at the New Plymouth High School, those in charge of that institution recognising the importance of inculcating in the youth of the present age a practical knowledge of science—a subject which is daily becoming more and more necessary, even in tiie ordinary walks of life. Science is a very interesting study, and it is one that most boys, readily take to, particularly when the dull monotony of theory is relieved, as in this case, by actual practice, and they are allowed to do the experiments themselves, under the guidance of an expert master. Yesterday the boys of the third form gave a demonstration in the science room, at which there were present. Messrs. N. K. MaeDiarmid (chairman), A. H. Glasgow, S. Percy Smith, E. Dockrill and Dr. E. F. Fookes (members of the Board of Governors). On entering the room the first thing that struck one was the peculiar odour arising from the various chemicals that some twenty-four boys of the third form were using. These boys were working together in pairs behind benches, on which they had themselves set up the apparatus necessary for their particular work, for no less than twelve different experiments were being conducted. The boys did their work in a very self-possessed manner, using acids, alkalies, etc., as though they were born analysts. The controlling genius of the room (Mr. A. R. Ryder, M.A.) went about from group to group, keeping a careful eye on the various experiments, giving a hint here and there where necessary. Some of. the boys were preparing oxygen, hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, nitric acid, etc. Others were making experiments in the solubility of ammonia gas and burning ot ammonia in oxygen, in quantitative analysis, purifying table salt, obtaining pure from impure water, showing the indestructibility of matter, etc. The group that attracted most interest was at the second table, where two lads were distilling from some crude petroleum its various products. This, Mr. Ryder stated, he intended to make a speciality of, so that Taranaki boys will be able to handle the products of our oil fields. The science room is exceedingly well fitted up, and is stocked with all the chemicals requisite. A very useful adjunct is the fume cupboard, in which any experiment that requires a combination of chemicals producing a rather unpleasant odour, as some do, is carried out. The'balance room is a special feature, and is as complete as will be seen at any mining assay room. It contains five balances, so sensitive that they will weigh a thousandth part of a millegramme, i.e., less than a hair; they are affected by the least breath of wind, and are accordingly encased in glass, in addition to which the room itself is practically of glass. Experiments are also carried out in botany, for which no less than fifteen microscopes are provided, as well as the necessary specimens and appliances for mounting sections. There is also a considerable quantity of electrical apparatus, which is also very useful. Those who witnessed the demonstra- ! tion left well satisfied with the good I and useful work that was being donework that was possibly laying the foun- | dation of a successful career in the domains of science for some of our lads.