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Cradle of Chemistry Historical Exhibition

This historical exhibition will run over the Edinburgh Festival period 2013, and is open and free to the general public. We will showcase a range of significant historical objects and manuscripts connected to the School of Chemistry, the majority of which have never been exhibited before.

Friday 2nd August to Saturday 2nd November, University of Edinburgh Main Library, George Square

The exhibition will be composed of a set of themes to illustrate the contribution our School has made to Chemistry: Cradle of Chemistry (how Edinburgh Chemistry has shaped the world), Chemistry and Economy (our contributions to economy and policy), Chemistry and Discovery (significant discoveries and achievements).

Highlights will include Joseph Black???s thesis on Magnesia Alba and a lock of his hair (Black discovered carbon dioxide gas and latent heat). We will also exhibit Alexander Crum Brown???s first model of sodium chloride (made with knitting needles and balls of wool!) and some of his 3-dimensional knitting.

A lock of Joseph Black's hair and the old chemistry labs in Teviot Medical Quadrangle (circa 1884).

A lock of Joseph Black's hair and the old chemistry labs in Teviot Medical Quadrangle (circa 1884).

For School of Chemistry alumni we will also be offering guided tours of the exhibition for small groups (up to 20). For further details on the exhibition contact Chemistry.300@ed.ac.uk

The gallery is located on the ground floor of the Main Library. No entry card is required, ask the servitor on duty to let you past the barrier: the gallery is at the left side of the ground floor hall.