Wooden test tube rack, owned by Frederick Power (1853-1927)

Wooden test tube rack, owned by Frederick Power (1853-1927), American Chemist and Chief Scientist at Wellcome Chemical Research laboratories, 1896-1914

Test tube racks are commonly found in laboratories and used to hold upright multiple test tubes at the same time, helping scientists to work with several different chemicals or specimens at the same time in an organised way. This rack made of wood, was owned and used in the laboratory of Frederick Power (1853-1927), an American Chemist who in 1896 became the Chief Scientist at Wellcome Chemical Research laboratories in London. During his career he examined the constituents of plant-based medications including investigating Chaulmoogra oil, which was noted for its use in traditional Indian medicine as a treatment for leprosy.