[Note 3:  Should the error discovered in any interval of 10 cc. on the burette exceed 0.10 cc., it is advisable to weigh small portions (even 1 cc.) to locate the position of the variation of bore in the tube rather than to distribute the correction uniformly over the corresponding 10 cc.  The latter is the usual course for small corrections, and it is convenient to calculate the correction corresponding to each cubic centimeter and to record it in the form of a table or calibration card, or to plot a curve representing the values.

Burettes may also be calibrated by drawing off the liquid in successive portions through a 5 cc. pipette which has been accurately calibrated, as a substitute for weighing.  If many burettes are to be tested, this is a more rapid method.]

PIPETTES

A !pipette! may consist of a narrow tube, in the middle of which is blown a bulb of a capacity a little less than that which it is desired to measure by the pipette; or it may be a miniature burette, without the stopcock or rubber tip at the lower extremity.  In either case, the flow of liquid is regulated by the pressure of the finger on the top, which governs the admission of the air.

Pipettes are usually already graduated when purchased, but they require calibration for accurate work.

CALIBRATION OF PIPETTES

Procedure.—­Clean the pipette.  Draw distilled water into it by sucking at the upper end until the water is well above the graduation mark.  Quickly place the forefinger over the top of the tube, thus preventing the entrance of air and holding the water in the pipette.  Cautiously admit a little air by releasing the pressure of the finger, and allow the level of the water to fall until the lowest point of the meniscus is level with the graduation.  Hold the water at that point by pressure of the finger and then allow the water to run out from the pipette into a small tared, or weighed, beaker or flask.  After a definite time interval, usually two to three minutes, touch the end of the pipette against the side of the beaker or flask to remove any liquid adhering to it (Note 1).  The increase in weight of the flask in grams represents the volume of the water in cubic centimeters delivered by the pipette.  Calculate the necessary correction.

[Note 1:  A definite interval must be allowed for draining, and a definite practice adopted with respect to the removal of the liquid which collects at the end of the tube, if the pipette is designed to deliver a specific volume when emptied.  This liquid may be removed at the end of a definite interval either by touching the side of the vessel or by gently blowing out the last drops.  Either practice, when adopted, must be uniformly adhered to.]

FLASKS

!Graduated or measuring flasks! are similar to the ordinary flat-bottomed flasks, but are provided with long, narrow necks in order that slight variations in the position of the meniscus with respect to the graduation shall represent a minimum volume of liquid.  The flasks must be of such a capacity that, when filled with the specified volume, the liquid rises well into the neck.