The author mentions cyanotypes and salt printing. Photography is what got me interested in chemistry as a kid. Understanding how film, paper, light, and chemicals all interacted was a lot of fun. Even figuring out how to make your prints last (proper clearing, toning, and washing etc.) involved understanding chemistry at a basic level. Most of the at home chemistry experiments they list are one and done. I’d be surprised if any of them inspired a kid to dig more.
I will say that starting in the 90s doing your own photo related chemical work could get you in trouble. If you trawl through the old usenet photo groups you’ll find stories of people being hassled by cops for owning scales and glassware. I’m sure it’s worse now.
Used photo-chemicals! They can help you turn “brass” coins into “silver” coins. Thus, 3 copecks (a glass of fruit soda) can be turned into 20 copecks look-alike (an ice-cream and a fruit soda!). Practical alchemy.
Not sure if we dared to do the actual trick. Probably we did. At least we got some similarly processed coins back from an ice-cream sellers. That was so unfair!
I will say that starting in the 90s doing your own photo related chemical work could get you in trouble. If you trawl through the old usenet photo groups you’ll find stories of people being hassled by cops for owning scales and glassware. I’m sure it’s worse now.