Scoopula

Spatulas are tools for applying, removing, mixing or removing substances. The name is derived from the Latin spatula, a diminutive form of the sword spathe. You can meet them are particularly in chemistry laboratories as laboratory equipment, in the field of medicine as a diagnostic device, as well as in the food industry as a labor or kitchen appliance, in the food industry and in the food and crafts or in the household and cooking (especially when baking ).

Today's use

Spatulas are used primarily as a laboratory instrument for scraping, crushing, receiving and transporting small quantities of chemicals in the laboratory. They are made of different materials ( iron, titanium, platinum, gemstone, nickel, ceramic, wood, horn, plastic or glass) and can take various forms ( eg flat spatula or spoon Drigalskispatel Patel ).

Spatula can usually not be used for stirring in aggressive solutions: metal spatula - even those made ​​of stainless steel - corrode, for example in ( concentrated ) acids, painted spatula be attacked by some solvents. Glass rods, stir bars or Teflon rods are chemically more stable than spatula in most cases.

Household spatula can be used for applying and distributing paste and coatings. For ice cream a Eisspatel used.

Small plastic spatula will be happy to open electronic devices (mobile phone, remote control, computer ) when the plastic housing are held together by tabs with barbs.

Occasionally, the spatula is confused with a spatula.

Prehistory

With spatula ( or spatula ) are pieces of bone called by archaeologists, which typically have an elongated flat oval shape and turn into a narrower part with short handle, which may take the form of a fish tail. Spatula-like devices have been around since the Early Palaeolithic period, but especially since the Magdalenian. The in Russia ( Avdeevo ) discovered about 22,000 year-old spatulas had partially cat-like heads. In general, they are carefully smoothed and have ornaments that are similar to the spear throwers and hole rods. The term spatula is, however, only the suspected use. Sometimes the device also referred to as a trowel. The work area and the stem region of these devices have in many cases to a significant use polish. Often the edges are completely rounded. This is a sign that soft materials have been processed. The term " filler " seems therefore more appropriate.

Medical product

For the wooden spatula see tongue depressors.