3. Read and translate the text, say what its main points are. Study the vocabulary notes after the text.

LABORATORY

• The word laboratory is used to denote any room or building for experiments in science. Scientists carry out different kinds of researches to improve and to extend man’s knowledge of natural laws. The work-room of a chemist and a testing-room at an industrial enterprise are also called laboratories.

• In earlier days people called the places for chemical work simply a workshop. They also used these workshops for making drugs.

Nowadays laboratories can be found in educational institutions (such as University, Institute, Academy etc.) to practice scientific and technical knowledge by means of experiments.

There are some chemistry laboratories at Kemerovo State University. All the laboratories are almost alike. These are large rooms where both students and researchers carry out their experimental work. Modern laboratories of inorganic as well as organic and analytical chemistry are provided with gas and running water. Every laboratory is to be provided with ventilating hood for the escape of both harmful and unpleasant vapours and odours. Every lab has to be lit up very well.

There are many laboratory benches with a great number of drawers in every laboratory. Different apparatus and devices as well as materials are kept in them. Besides we can see many shelves and cases for containers with chemicals.

On every laboratory bench one can see test-tubes, flasks, beakers, funnels, evaporating dishes. All this glassware should be kept in good order.

Various burners serve for producing flames. The Bunsen burner is to be mentioned among them.

Different crucibles are employed when heating solutions and igniting materials. Crucibles are usually made of quartz, porcelain and iron. In addition to these crucibles there are platinum crucibles in some laboratories, but they are used very seldom.

Every laboratory should be equipped with different kinds of apparatus. Everything in the laboratory is to have its definite place.

When working in the chemistry laboratory one must follow some safety rules. Firstly, all chemicals should be used carefully in the laboratory, because many of them could be dangerous. Phosphorus, sulphuric acid and chlorine are among them. Some chemicals are flammable, they could be explosive if one tries to light them under certain conditions. Besides, there are chemicals that are very reactive with one another. So, one should never play with chemicals to see what happens when they are mixed.

Chemicals must never be tasted – they could be poisonous. If one has to smell any chemical, it is necessary to fill the lungs with air first, then sniff carefully. After work one should close all the containers with chemicals.

Special attention must be paid to corrosive chemicals. They also have to be treated with care. If these chemicals are spilled or splashed on the skin they must be washed off immediately with water. One must wear special laboratory overall to protect the clothes working with chemical substances. Sometimes it is necessary to put protective goggles to keep the eyes saved.

So, any lab serves for conducting experiments and laboratory work only by specialists.