An nameless reader tips a guest posting up on the MAKE booklet blog by the author of the etched Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments. It seems that third edition by the editors of the american heritage® dictionary. copyright © 2003 board in Massachusetts have raided a home chemistry lab, outwardly without a warrant, and made off with all of its contents. Here's the local article from the Worcester Telegram & Gazette. "Victor Deeb, a retired chemist who lives in Marlboro, has finally been allowed to return to his Fremont Street home, after Massachusetts inner circle spent three days ransacking his basement lab and making off with its contents. Deeb is not accused of making methamphetamine or other illegal drugs. He's not accused of aiding terrorists, synthesizing explosives, nor even of making illegal fireworks. Deeb fell afoul of the Massachusetts high-level advisers for... doing experiments... Pamela Wilderman, the code enforcement officer for Marlboro stated, 'I think Mr. Deeb has crossed a line somewhere. This is not what we would honor to be a customary home occupation.' Allow me to translate Ms. Wilderman's words into plain English: 'Mr. Deeb hasn't literally violated any law or precept that I can find, but I don't like what he's doing because I'm ignorant and irrationally afraid of chemicals, so I'll abuse my power to steal his title and shut him down.'"

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Mark