Article Advise

submitted: Aug 25th 2008 | by: FabianToulouse | Total views: 2 | Word Count: 369 | |

Silver is one of the most desired metals in the world. As long as humans have been documenting their history, there have been many cultures which mention the use of this costly metal. Used for coinage, decoration, and later, table vessels and silverware, silver has always been coveted.

Its value is more than monetary and decorative use, however. Silver has long been known for its medicinal and preservative characteristics, and today silver compounds are also finding many additional uses, including in manufacturing and industry. As far back as the Greeks and Romans, the unusual properties of silver were realized, if not understood. They noticed that silver containers kept liquids fresher. The Greeks used silver vessels for storing water and other liquids; the Romans favored silver pitchers for their wine.

They were unquestionably onto something. Somehow, people knew, silver inhibited the growth of harmful organisms. In the Middle Ages, eating with silver utensils and other table ware gave the rich a modicum of extra protection against the plague. Nineteenth century American pioneers dropped silver coins in their water barrels to hinder the spread of disease, and silver dollars were put into milk containers. In World War I, physicians lay silver leaf on wounds to keep infection at bay. Silver nitrate was useful on burns and as an eye drop in infants to prevent the transmission of disease from their mothers. Before the development of modern antibiotics, silver was a powerful tool in the war against germs.

While silver nitrate is not used much as a germicide anymore, it does have a variety of uses in laboratories and in manufacturing. Mirrors, hair dyes, explosives, and many pharmaceuticals call for silver nitrate in their production. Photography developers employ silver nitrate. Chemists use it as a stain for detecting the presence of bromides, nucleic acids, and other materials. It is also used as a stain in electron microscopy. It is a very versatile substance.

Whether you have a career in industry, education, or laboratory research, Spectrum Chemical is a great source for any type and quantity of chemical, including silver nitrate. This globally respected company is actually a one-stop shop for any chemical or laboratory supplies. Their reputation for superior service and high quality products is unexcelled.

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If you're in the market for premium silver nitrate, make sure you purchase your quantity from a reputable silver nitrate manufacturer.

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