<i>Chemical Reactions</i> by John Joseph Griffin, renowned nineteenth century chemist is one of the more popular reads on the subject of chemistry, aimed primarily at the "beginner chemist", although this is generally understood to mean any stage from student to lecturer at university standard. <br><br>Griffin was born in Glasgow, Scotland but received much of his training in chemistry from institutions in France and Germany. Partnered with a book selling and publishing company run by his brother, Richard, John Griffin was in a key position from which it was no difficulty putting his works into print. Not undeservedly were his writings published, however – John Griffin was forerunner of his time in the science of chemistry, introducing various scientific methods to the field and designing a number of forms of apparatus for these and other upcoming processes, including a type of now commonly used beaker, often referred to as the Griffin Beaker.