Low cost methods of chemical analysis appears to be very useful for the study of alchemy experiments. Of course some scientists may argue that it exists today better tools of analytical chemistry to study complex mixtures, but, in my opinion, when doing chemical analysis one must consider the efficiency of the method and its cost. In the present case, it appears that microchemical technics are more efficient that very expensive methods of analysis because using appropriate methods of separation we may concentrate the interesting elements in order to get a very precise identification.
The Microchemistry Laboratory is divided in three sections :
- The Analytical sectionAll sections are complementary : in order to reduce costs, most of the reagents are prepared, when necessary, from cheap materials. Five balances have been bought since 1991 : Three Mettler balances ( two with s = 0,1mg , one with s = 1 mg) , an old balance Prolabo s = 0,1mg , an electronic balance s = 1mg, and a set of calibration weights.
- The chemicals section
- The mineralogy section
Other part of the Lab. is a mini lathe which has been used to make several ring-oven apparatus.
A very good base of chemistry data regarding microchemistry , organic and inorganic syntheses has been obtained after several years ; some are indicated below. (not includind e-books which represent several hundred of Go) :
- Chemistry of Carbon Compounds (1954) , Vol. I to X , Ed. Elsevier.Many data regarding radiochemical analysis have been obtained from publications ; with little practice and use of chemistry know how lead to acceptable procedure.
- Traité de Chimie Organique. Grignard, 4 Vol.
- Textbook of Practical Organic Chemistry , Vogel's
- Manuel Pratique de Chimie Organique , L. Gattermann , Ed. Payot (1946)
- Practicas de Quimica Inorganica , Profs. E. G. Biltz ,(1922) Manuel:Marin Editor Barcelona
- Quimica Inorganica Preparativa , Georg Brauer (1958) Ed. Reverte
- Manuel Pratique de Preparations Organiques avec de Petites Quantités de Substances , H. Lieb , (1953) Masson
- Reactifs Organiques en Analyse Minérale , Jean Bernot (1947) Masson
- Nouveau Traité de Chimie Minérale. Pascal , 5 vol.
- Organic analytical reagents , Frank J. Welcher
- Traité d'Analyse Chimique Qualitative , C.R. Fresenius (1922) Masson
- Inorganic Microanalysis. R. Belcher & C/ Wilson, Second Ed.
- Chromatography. E. Lederer & M. Lederer (1954) Elsevier
- Chromatography sur Couches Minces , Kurt Randerath , Ed. Gauthier-Villars ( 1971)
- Introduction to the Microtechnique of Inorganic Analysis , A.A. Benedetti-Pichler
- Microscopy for Chemists , Schaeffer, Harold F.
- Introduction to Quantative Ultramicro Analysis , I.M.KORENMAN
- Inorganic Ultramicroanalysis , Alimarin, I. P. ; Petrikova, M. N
- Handbook of Chemical Microscopy. Volumes I & II , Chamot, Emile Monnin & Mason, Clyde Walter
- Traité de Microanalyse Minérale. C. Duval
- Analyse Microchimique et Spectroscopique , Pozzi-Escot (1899)
- Spot Tests in Inorganic Analysis. Feigl Fith Ed.
- Spot Tests in Organic Analysis. Feigl Sixth Ed.
- Analyse Qualitative Minérale à l'aide de Stilliréactions , Delaby & Gauthier , (1940) Masson
- Microanalysis by the Ring Oven Technique. Herbert West, Second Ed.
- Analytical Chemistry of Thorium , D.I. Ryabchikov & E.K. Gol'braikh
- Analytical Chemistry of Niobium Tantalum , Ross W. Moshier
- Analytical Chemistry of Thallium , I.M.KORENMAN
- Analytical Chemistry of Potassium , I.M.KORENMAN
- Analytical Chemistry of the Actinide Elements , Moses, Alfred J
- Treatise on Analytical Chemistry , Part II , Vol. 9 Uranium , The Actinides (1962) Ed. John Wiley & Sons.
- Traité de Manipulation et d'Analyse des gaz , H. Guérin , Ed. Masson (1981)
- Tratado de Mineralogia , E. Dana & W. Ford (1978) C.E.C.S.A.
- Les Minéraux en grains , A. Parfenoff (1970) Masson
- Analyse Quantitative Minerale , G. Charlot & D. Bézier ( 1955) , Masson
- Developments in Solvent Extraction , (1988) Editor S. Alegret
- Instrumental Methods of Analysis , W. Merrit & D. Settle (1981)
- Methodes Modernes d'Analyse Chimique , C. Duval , (1955) Techniques de l'Ingénieur
- The Analytical section -
One microscope for microcrystalloscopic reactions, one Bunsen spectroscope. A home made Rinh Oven apparatus, an electrolyzer, a home made pH-meter,
I managed to get all the necessary glassware required and heating devices required to do the syntheses of chemicals.
This section uses a microscope x10 to x80 , home made heavy liquor (Bromoform : CHBr3) , home made magnetic separator. agate mortars,
