On Laboratory Arts

A practical handbook for anyone who wants to move from theory to hands‑on work in a physics lab, this volume walks the reader through the essential techniques of glass handling. Beginning with clear instructions on choosing and testing different types of glass, it shows how to shape, blow, and weld tubes of various sizes, even covering specialty tasks like forming bulbs and creating airtight joints. The step‑by‑step advice is grounded in the author’s own teaching experience, making the often‑intimidating art of glass‑blowing approachable for students and seasoned researchers alike.

Beyond glass, the book expands into related crafts that keep a laboratory running smoothly. Detailed sections on grinding and polishing optics, preparing mirrors and lenses, and coating glass with metals provide a solid foundation for optical work. Later chapters explore miscellaneous processes—from soldering quartz fibers to electroplating and even simple pottery—offering a comprehensive toolkit for constructing and maintaining experimental apparatus.