Production

It’s best to boil the distilled water in either a glass (E.g. Corning’s Visionware) or Pyrex pot. If you don’t have a Pyrex pot, stainless steel is OK , but don’t use any other type of pot. After boiling, pour the hot water into a tall glass (no other material) and place the glass inside an insulated sleeve to try and keep the water as hot as possible during the procedure. I use a large plastic mug that’s designed for hot or cold drinks as an insulated sleeve, but you could make your own by hollowing out a Styrofoam block from discarded packing material. I use a small ceramic bowl that fits neatly as a top, but Styrofoam block could be cut to serve the same purpose. Before starting, clean the silver electrodes using Scotchbright™ so they are shiny and free of sediment. Bend the electrodes into a ‘J’ shape and place inside the glass, shaping them parallel to each other about 1½” apart. The silver electrodes should extend about an inch above the top of the solution.

If you wish to use Merlin’s honey trick, take a toothpick or a chop stick and dip it in honey. Let the majority of the honey drip back into the honey jar. The small glob that remains on the end of the toothpick will fall off as a tiny droplet when you hold it an inch over the steaming hot glass of water. You want the smallest drop of honey possible.

Be sure the electrodes are not touching each other and place your ceramic or Styrofoam cover on top, fitting the wires under the lip of the bowl. Turn the unit on. If the indicator lamp lights up brightly, it means the electrodes are touching each other and short circuiting. Rearrange the electrodes so they don’t touch and the lamp should go out. Check your watch, write down the time, and come back in 10 or 12 minutes. Upon returning, take the top off and pull the glass up so you can see the electrodes and the color of the solution. If the solution is still completely clear and the positive electrode has only slightly discolored, you can let it go for another 3-5 minutes and recheck. When the solution has begun to turn a very light shade of yellow, the positive electrode will begin to darken. The negative electrode will also begin to “grow” a fuzzy, brownish residue around it. At this point you can do one of two things:

1. You can turn the unit off, remove the electrodes and clean them both off using a small square of Scotch Brite and wiping clean with a paper towel. Reinstall and start the unit again. Repeat the cleaning process as soon as the brownish fuzz begins to build up again .... Or
2. If you had installed the optional polarity reversing toggle switch, you should flip the polarity switch now (with the unit still on). The brownish fuzzy stuff around the negative electrode will seem to vanish in a puff as the electrodes reverse their polarity. Continue to monitor the reaction and when the brownish fuzz just starts to build, hit the reversing switch again. Continue this process until the solution reaches a golden yellow color. If your electrodes get too black before you’re done, take a moment to clean them off, and continue until you get a golden color.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice. Consult the physician of your choice for medical care and advice.

Offered by Ed