Taste Testing chemicals

Bob_Maxey@mtn.3com.com
Fri, 15 May 1998 15:10:11 -0600

>>>I have no fear of tasting oxalic acid and I've done it on occasion to
>determine if it is oxalic acid or citric acid and only if I know that is
>the only two options.

(Wait......Let me first put up the flameproof barrier so when the flames
arrive, I will be ready.)

The above quote is absolutely reckless, and Ill advised. I do not care if
God himself tells you it is OK to taste chemicals, it is foolish. I know
from experience that if you say it is OK to do something, everyone will be
doing it. Please, Please PLEASE.....do not advocate this approach to
identifying chemicals. It is foolish. BTW: If you publish this 'Taste Test
Tip' where someone can read it publicly, you open yourself to potential
legal issues and problems if the reader trys it and gets into trouble.
Suppose they do not know what a chemical tastes like and they mistake one
of a worse one?

RM