Originally posted on 29 March 2016.

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EXPERIMENT:

Synthesis of Alkahest (also known as Universal Solvent).

RESEARCHERS:

Dr. John P. Taylor (Project Lead)

Mr. Just A. W. Harry (Preparation and Handling)

RESULTS

Before the experiment could begin, the Alkahest sample dissolved the bottom of the conical flask which contained it, along with the laboratory floor underneath. No-one was hurt during the indecent.

After evacuating the room, Just Harry managed to neutralize the sample with a provided solution, but in this time (~65 seconds), the hole had already reached a 300 m depth.

NOTES:

• The Alkahest can be neutralized by a concentrated mixture of 3 Parts Uranium(III) chloride 2 parts Platinum(IV) bromide.

• Once neutralized, the hole produced measured 300 m deep, with a radius of ~3.6 m.

• There is yet to be an established upper limit on how much solute the Alkahest can dissolve. Although a reaction appears to be taking place that converts any solutes into a gas (see below). The Alkahest is not consumed in this reaction.

• Any further experiments with the Alkahest will require production In Situ, along with susceptible quantities of neutralization agent.

• During solvation, a luminous green gas is produced. It is non-reactive and exhibits insignificant radioactivity compared to background radiation. It does not display any of the solvent properties of the Alkahest sample.

AFTER-WORD

WHAT THE HELL IS THIS!? Do you idiots realize what you have done!?

Not only have you wasted a host of expensive and exotic chemicals, but you have effectively decommissioned the entire building! Yes! THE ENTIRE BUILDING HAS BEEN DEEMED STRUCTURALLY INSECURE! IT'S NOT EVEN YOURS!!!

Listen... I will give you one strike from now on. If you mess up ANYTHING AT ALL, you are OUT. Any crazy stuff you do will be done in YOUR OWN BUILDING.

You will raise YOUR OWN FUNDS for this CRAP, because I'm sure as hell not giving you anything until you can foot the £400 MILLION repair costs.

Just know this, if I had had my way, all four of you would be on the streets right now!

• The Dean of Chemistry and Life Sciences.

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Well hello again!

This here is the first in (what will hopefully be) a series of comics centered around the scientific antics of Just Harry and his friends as they struggle to perform shady research while struggling against lack of funding and the nefarious Dean of Chemistry and Life Sciences.