Here is the basic idea regarding some commonly used apparatus in pharmaceutical laboratories.

1. D R . P . R . C H A V A N
P H A R M D
Common Laboratory Apparatus

2. Beaker
 Beakers hold solids or liquids that will not release
gases when reacted or are unlikely to splatter if
stirred or heated.

3. Conical flask
 Conical (or Erlenmeyer) flasks hold solids or liquids
that may release gases during a reaction or that are
likely to splatter if stirred or heated.

4. Measuring cylinder
 A graduated measuring cylinder is used to measure
volumes of liquids.

5. Mortar and pestle
 Mortar and pestle is a set of two simple tools used
from the Stone Age to the present day to prepare
ingredients or substances by crushing and grinding
them

6. Test tubes
 13 x 100 mm test tubes 10 x 75 mm test tubes Boiling
tube

7. Test tube holder
 A test tube holder is useful for holding a test tube
which is too hot to handle.

8. Test tube racks
 Test tube racks are for holding and organizing test
tubes on the laboratory counter. Plastic racks may
melt in contact with very hot test tubes.

9. Rubber bungs
 Rubber bungs or stoppers are used to close
containers to avoid spillage or contamination.
Containers should never be heated when there is a
stopper in place.

10. Watch Glass
 A watch glass is used to hold a small amount of solid,
such as the product of a reaction.

11. Stirring Rod
 A glass rod is used to manually stir solutions. It can
also be used to transfer a single drop of a solution.

12. Funnel
 A funnel is used to aid in the transfer of liquid from
one vessel to another.

13. Pipette
 A pipette or medicine dropper is used to transfer a
small volume of liquid (less than one mL). On top of
each dropper is a “rubber bulb”

14. Spatulas
 Spatulas are used to dispense solid chemicals from
their containers.

15. Forceps
 Forceps (or tweezers) are used to pick up small
objects.

16. Scalpel
 A scalpel is an extremely sharp bladed instrument
used for surgery and dissections.

17. Burette
 A burette is used to deliver exact volumes of liquids,
often during titrations.

18. Bunsen burner
 Bunsen burners are used for the heating of
nonvolatile liquids and solids.

19. Tripod
 A tripod is used to support glassware, such as
beakers and flasks, especially when heating
substances.

20. Gauze
 A wire gauze sits on a tripod to provide a place to
stand a beaker.

21. Heatproof mat
 A heat proof mat is used to prevent damage to a work
surface from a hot object.

22. Clay Triangle
 The clay triangle is used as a support for porcelein
crucibles when being heated over a Bunsen burner.

23. Evaporating Dish
 The evaporating dish is used for the heating of stable
solid compounds and elements.

24. Crucible
 Crucibles are used for heating certain solids,
particularly metals, to very high temperatures.

25. Crucible Tongs
 For handling hot crucibles; also used to pick up other
hot objects. NOT to be used for picking up beakers!

26. Clamp stand
 A clamp stand (or retort stand) is used to hold test
tubes and other equipment in place. Also known as a
ringstand.

27. Litmus Paper
 Red litmus paper is used to identify bases. Blue
litmus paper is used to identify acids.

28. Universal indicator
 A universal indicator is a pH indicator made of
a solution of several compounds that exhibits several
smooth colour changes over a wide range pH values
to indicate the acidity or alkalinity of solutions.