The Dapper Alchemist

The Litmus: Turkey Day Eve Edition

Dapper Alchemist — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 21:08:03 +0000

The DNA of Scotch [Glenfiddich via designboom]

Cook a turkey in two hours [Nu-Wave via DVICE]

I am so smart! SMRT! [Pacific Biosciences via Medgadget]

A must read [A Suitable Wardrobe]

Christmas Colours [Christmas by Colour]

Anatomy of Genius

Dapper Alchemist — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 19:12:03 +0000

I wrote a post a few months back about Andy Gilmore’s geometrical works. Needless to say, I’ve been following his work ever since. Much of his latest work has a biological/anatomical bent to it, comprising illustrations of flora and fauna that reveal their inner topologies. Anatomical drawings generally leave me feeling cold, but this series sets itself apart by giving the viewer a sense of movement and life.

Images sourced from Andy Gilmore Illustrations

The Litmus

Dapper Alchemist — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:26:06 +0000

Stand out [CadmusFamily via Highsnobiety]

Who needs 3D when you have 4D? [Emerging Technology Trends]

Facebook around the world [Facebook via FlowingData]

Optimus Prime needs an upgrade [Cadek Design via Coolest Concepts]

FSHNDL TNGHT [LVHRD]

It’s Good to be King

Dapper Alchemist — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:02:01 +0000

Touch screens, political intrigue and a bumbling British hero, need I say more?

The Litmus

Dapper Alchemist — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:08:30 +0000

Play and Learn [EnerGuy via Computerlove]

Making Ramen even easier [Yanko Design]

Fantastic write-up on Advanced Beauty [PingMag]

Served [Served]

Green Grind [BambooSK8 via Inhabitat]

The DA finds his song

Dapper Alchemist — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:26:16 +0000

I was fortunate to have a weekend of fine food and good company, which was topped by this Cole Porter tune, introduced to me by my friend Mike, a reformed scientist of good standing. I’m going to adopt Mr. Porter’s ditty as the unofficial song for my blog. Of course I could have used a more contemporary piece, like Thomas Dolby’s She Blinded Me With Science, but Cole Porter’s lyrics are just too perfect.

Before we leave these portals
to meet our paramortals,
there’s just one final massage I would give to you.

We all have learned reliance
on the sacred teachings of science,
so I hope through life you never will become,
in spite of philistines, defiant,
to do what all good scientists do.

Experiment.
Make it your motto day and night.

Experiment.
And it will lead you to the light.

The apple from the top of the tree
is never too high to achieve.
So take an example from me.

Experiment.

Be curious,
though interfering friends may frown.

Get furious,
at each attempt to hold you down.

If this advice you’ll only employ,
the future can offer you infinite joy
and merriment.

Experiment,
and you’ll see.

The Litmus

Dapper Alchemist — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:08:20 +0000

A Picture is worth one word [Neoformix via FlowingData]

The Only good parts of Quantum of Solace [FormFiftyFive]

Clean [Smashing Magazine]

X-Ray Spex [Wired Science]

Jetsonian Hotel [Dezeen]

The Litmus

Dapper Alchemist — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:43:02 +0000

I’ll take the Penis Mightier [Seb Lester via I Love Typography]

Don’t Mess with the Zaha [I.D.]

Recycled and stylish [Tresijas via greenUPGRADER]

Sartorial inventions [Men's Flair]

General Pattern [General Pattern]

The Litmus

Dapper Alchemist — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:27:16 +0000

Infoporn [Select Media Festival via Computerlove]

Boston ♥ Science [NYTimes]

People’s chariot [Engin Kapkin via Auto Motto]

And the winners are… [Seoul Design Olympiad via Dexigner]

Saul Bass! [Citrinitas via FFFFound!]

Chemically Inspired

Dapper Alchemist — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 20:37:18 +0000

I’ve spent my fair share of time hunched over vials of acids and bases, concocting acetaminophen and watching chemical reactions explode. There’s definitely a part of me that regrets not pursuing chemistry, not so much for the science, but because of the glassware. Soxhlet extractors, Friedrich condenders and even commonplace Erlenmeyer flasks are gorgeous pieces of craftsmanship that I’ve had both the pleasure to use and break, sorry Ms. Riley. So It definitely pleases to me to see more chemistry- or lab-inspired pieces available for the general public.

I recently visited the DWR: Tools for Living in SoHo where I picked up the Lexon-designed Give and Take Business Card Holder and a set of Nava Notes. I wish I had more time, so that I could properly examine their kitchenware. I managed to see their fantastic Apothecary Jars (pictured above), which come in both clear glass and more appropriate brown glass. I can imagine these bottles holding tinctures, salves and tonics that were once used to “cure” a myriad of conditions. I still swear by Dr. Smith’s Vital Tonic, it cures diabetes, regrows hair and reverses impotence. The Cocktail Chemistry Set, shown below, is a more tongue-in-cheek homage to chemistry class. I would replace the test tubes with beakers.

Of course there’s nothing to stop you from using real labware in your home; I use beakers as barware. American Science & Surplus is a great source for reasonably priced glassware, and features some killer web design. Empiric, based out of LA, is also a great source of vintage science objects.