- Location
- Switzerland
- Name
- Matt
- Start Date
- Jun 18, 2020
- End Date
- Jun 18, 2020
That's what happens when you research "18" on a non-standard search engine - and I actually think the molecule is worth looking at, as well as the compound ...
M.
And once again, nightmares of my university studies flash past my eyes. I remember I took Organic Chem I & II my Junior year, then Biochemistry I & II plus Genetics I & II my Senior year.
That's what happens when you research "18" on a non-standard search engine - and I actually think the molecule is worth looking at, as well as the compound ...
M.
Although Chemistry wasn't my favourite subject causing me troubles at times I just loved the simple beauty of these structures.
That's what happens when you research "18" on a non-standard search engine - and I actually think the molecule is worth looking at, as well as the compound ...
M.
Maybe it will look the same but be on the moon.Inside the pump room of the old farmhouse where I live, the light is dim and muted.
There are multiple light switches, too.
But back in 1902 when this outbuilding was built, the house had no electricity.
View attachment 226085
Make me wonder....what this space will look like, one hundred years from now?
It's exactly this why I always envied my Chemistry colleagues: beautiful models that visualize the formulas and - not to forget - the big bangs (was it the oxyhydrogen tests?).In honor of Matt's citation of the crown ethers, I built this little nerd shrine in support.
View attachment 226057
Chemistry is very visual but one of our difficulties is that the logic of our subject is, essentially, invisible. To the eye it's all powders and liquids and tanks of gases. The molecules are so small that bacteria and even viruses are gigantic. We have so many models because atoms and molecules live in a world dominated by quantum mechanics. Ordinary language and human intuitions evolved to deal with a different version of reality, and the whole thing can be tediously boring if not taught with great enthusiasm. Some students do enjoy the nomenclature as a game, however. The 18-Crown-6 ether cited above is formally called 1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaoxacyclooctadecane. Amusingly, the formal names of molecules express their structure. This idea is mimicked in stories of magical worlds where the true names of things give you power over them.It's exactly this why I always envied my Chemistry colleagues: beautiful models that visualize the formulas and - not to forget - the big bangs (was it the oxyhydrogen tests?).
As a teacher of French and English I tormented them with endless vocabulary lists and grammar rules ... though they loved singing Beatles and Dylan Songs in between when I had the guitar with me.