All went well in the beginning stages. He acquired the ingredients, took them all to the biology lab, and set them out. He weighed out the various materials, all of which were in small chunks, rather than in powders. He knew that he had to combine them evenly, and having completed his chemistry course, also knew that the best way to get fine powders is to crush a lump using a mortar and pestle. Now, this could have been accomplished without incident, except that he decided to speed the process up a bit. Instead of grinding the ingredients separately, in different containers, he placed all of the ingredients into the SAME MORTAR AND PESTLE, and proceeded to grind away. Amazingly enough, the match-head ingredients combined, formed match heads, and ignited. Enthusiastically. The student lost his shirt, his eyebrows, and his bangs, and had second-degree burns on his hands. The lab bench (which was simple Formica over wood) cracked, and the wood frame caught fire. The student did retain the presence of mind to put out the fire, and reported to the school nurse. Faculty alternated between laughter and shaking their heads. And yes, the student lost his permission to be in the labs alone.

I don't know whether or not this young man went on to future Darwinian greatness. I hope he learned his lesson the easy way. The burns are still on the lab bench, and he has served as a great example to other students.

Submitted on 01/28/2005

Submitted by: Margie
Reference: none- personal account

Copyright © 2005 DarwinAwards.com

Daniel said:
Neutral: Honorable Mention
Arrogance and stupidity, an often lethal combination. Or perhaps a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

Jack said:
Neutral: Honorable Mention
Yes, sometimes a little knowledge is a dangerous thing - particularly when working with chemicals.

Charles said:
Definitely Keep: Honorable Mention
Let's see... he knew that when he mixed these things together, they would make a mixture that would light when rubbed against something. So he puts them all in a mortar and pestle and rubs them all together... and is surprised when they catch file? Hmmm.

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