Some of you may know Peter J.T. Morris from the Science Museum in London.  I got the chance to work with him on the National Chemical Historic Landmarks Committee and he is a very interesting person as well as being extremely knowledgeable.  (And you have to love the his current job title "Keeper of Research Projects.")

He has recently published his new book "The Matter Factory - A History of the Chemistry Laboratory"  it is filled with pictures, illustrations, references, etc.  But for this list I would like to refer folks specifically to the "Training Chemists" chapter and specifically beginning on page 92 - here he begins outlining the development of the "fume cupboard" as an essential element in the chemistry laboratory.  There is a lithograph dated 1842 that shows the fume cupboard with what has be come the standard glass sash.  In addition to this - there is an entire section discussing early designs of laboratories incorporating the fume cupboard, in his section "Mitigating the Dangers of Chemistry."  

The book is a fascinating read - and has lots of information.  Thought you would like to know about it.

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