Blatent scientific incompetence
LordMatthius reminds me of my own scientific past, and why I decided I was probably better suited so other careers.

I was of a mildly chemical bent while still at school. The experimentation was fun, and we were still allowed to do moderately risky things at the time.

Example 1:

5th year at school - Higher chemistry.

A melting point experiment where capilary tubes of powders were heated to melting point using a bunsen burner modified with a block of aluminium as the holder.

Twas the end of the day, and I was in a hurry to leave. The bell goes unexpectedly, and I rush to put stuff away - including the bunsen.

Reaching out, I grab the toasty-warm bit of kit straight on. The aluminium blockfits neatly in the palm of my hand, and I just have time to hear the sizzle, as I drop the offending item, leaving a nice little angular design wheremy palm closed arund it.

Experiment 2:

Having proven my scientific credentials and reliabilty, the following year I'm taking 6th year chemistry. 6th years were typically allowed to work on their research projects while other classes were being taken.

This day, I was heating something in a test-tube over a bunsen (yes again - I din't learn my lesson), when I became engrossed in the 2nd year class going on around me.

Failing to keep an eye on the tube, I didn't realise that it was bubbling away, until it suddenly launched itself over the heads of at least 6 of the youngsters beside me, and landed on the teacher's desk.

Length? Probably 12 feet or so, at an elevation of around 45 degrees.
( Fireflier La la la la, not listening on, Thu 24 Jul 2008, 17:22, Reply)