Kubach v Hollands [1937]

A schoolgirl was carrying out a chemical experiment with chemicals supplied by the teacher of the chemistry class, when an explosion occurred whereby she was severely injured. The experiment was one for the making of oxygen by heating a mixture of potassium chlorate and manganese dioxide, a perfectly harmless experiment. The teacher had purchased the chemicals from second defendants, receiving as manganese dioxide a black powder so labelled in a packet. In fact the black powder was a mixture of antimony sulphide and manganese dioxide, indistinguishable from manganese dioxide to the eye, but dangerous when heated with potassium chlorate.

Second defendants had purchased this powder as manganese dioxide from the third party, whose invoice stated: 'The above goods are accurate as described on leaving our works but they must…