Scientific evolution Memes

Remember when chemists would casually handle carcinogens like they were water? The old guard is out here calling new chemists "stupid" while they're the ones who licked radioactive elements and sniffed unknown compounds like it was a competitive sport. Carbon tetrachloride was literally used as a cleaning agent before people realized it destroys your liver and kidneys. But sure, we're the stupid ones for using fume hoods and gloves. Nothing says "genius scientist" like shortened lifespans and mysterious organ failures!

The evolution of lab safety standards is hilarious and terrifying. On the left, we have 1925's absolute unit of a chemist casually mouth-pipetting sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) - you know, just a compound that can dissolve your esophagus faster than tenure committee rejections. Meanwhile, modern chemists have a complete meltdown over 0.00001M acetic acid (basically fancy vinegar) touching their glove. Safety protocols have evolved from "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" to "I need therapy because a drop of something weaker than salad dressing touched my PPE." The methylene blue accident mentioned in the title? Classic chemist rite of passage - turns your urine Smurf-blue and convinces you death is imminent. Nothing says "I'm a real scientist now" like peeing blue and having an existential crisis!