The blue bottle revisited

Nearly every demonstration of "chemical magic" involves the classic Blue Bottle. This demonstration has been reported in numerous places including Alyea and Dulton and Summerlin and Ealy and involves the alkaline glucose reduction of methylene blue. Even though this is a very simple demonstration it fascinates audiences, especially those of middle-school age and younger. We have found other indicators that may be added to the classic Blue Bottle to produce a rainbow of colors.