As the title suggests, this chemistry kit is inspired by the Dangerous Book for Boys, a text encouraging boys to experiment and play the way boys of past generations did. Although not quite the set I remember in my youth, this kit has plenty of test tubes and yes, even a few mysterious chemicals.

The instruction book is detailed and informative, with enough experiments to last for many, many hours of investigation. Our testers, girls as well as boys, especially enjoyed the electrochemistry experiments which set the metallic measuring spoon to sparking and corroding, leaving a penny's copper stain on the filter paper.

Sufficient materials are provided for a number of the experiments; additional materials necessary for experiments are commonly available - a 9-volt battery and red cabbage as examples. And now that we know how important red cabbage is for making a pH tester, it may well become a vegetable bin staple.

This kit suggests that chemistry is a little risky and exciting. Many children will be content to simply perform the activities. But for curious children with a genuine interest in chemistry who are willing to take the time to read the guide, there is a wide range of chemistry to be learned.