A LIQUID KEPT IN GOLD BOTTLES.
Onk of the most extraordinary liquids in existence is hydrofluoric acid, wellknown as a glass etching tluiil. It is perfectly colourless, and looks as harmless as water ; but if you happen to let a chop fall on your skin you will wish that you had been bitten by lions and tigers instead. To inhale it is certain death, and it has put an end lo more than one scientist.
If it is placed in the thickest glass bottle it, wiileat its way out in a very short time. It has, therefore, to be kopt i'.i bottles made of indiarubber, lead, platinum, or gold. But the two lust-nimed are the only perfectly safe receptacles. Even when in a gold bottle, great precautions must, bo taken to keep it: there. As it is volatile, a plate covered with paraffin has to be securely clamped over the mouth of the bottle, and the temperature of the room must never exceedGOdeg, or the bottle would burst. Hydrofluoric acid is chiefly used for etching the scales on thermometers and work of that kind.
Curiously, if the glass is perfectly dry the acid will not act ; but let there be the smallest possible trace of moisture and it will eat tho baldest glass as if it were so much butter.
Permanent link to this item
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIGUS18960926.2.35.9
Bibliographic details
Waikato Argus, Volume I, Issue 34, 26 September 1896, Page 2 (Supplement)
Word Count
220A LIQUID KEPT IN GOLD BOTTLES. Waikato Argus, Volume I, Issue 34, 26 September 1896, Page 2 (Supplement)
Using This Item
No known copyright (New Zealand)
To the best of the National Library of New Zealand’s knowledge, under New Zealand law, there is no copyright in this item in New Zealand.
You can copy this item, share it, and post it on a blog or website. It can be modified, remixed and built upon. It can be used commercially. If reproducing this item, it is helpful to include the source.
For further information please refer to the Copyright guide.
Log in