Dissecting Kit (Economy) Number: 119

Quick Answer: The Dissecting Kit (Economy) Number 119 is a basic economy dissecting kit: a small set of essential instruments in a box, meant for issue one per student or pair in school biology practicals. ‘Number 119’ appears to be a catalogue reference and does not describe the contents.

What an Economy Kit Is For

An economy kit is designed for numbers rather than range. Schools that run plant dissections, specimen observation and slide preparation for whole classes need thirty or forty kits that can be issued at the start of a practical and checked back in at the end. Kits of this level typically contain the instruments used most often, such as a scalpel, scissors, forceps, one or two needles and a seeker, sometimes with a hand lens, in a compact box. The contents of this kit are not listed, and the image file name refers only to a dissecting box designed for students, so confirm the contents list before ordering.

Economy kits save on the box and finish, not on the need for sharp, well-aligned instruments. When the kits arrive, check that the scissors cut paper cleanly to the tips, that forceps tips meet, and that needles are firmly fixed in their handles. Replace any piece that fails, because a poor instrument teaches poor technique.

For senior classes and college practicals, the intermediate and large dissecting sets add more instruments. The economy kit is the entry point in that range.

Applications

• Class sets for flower, seed and fruit dissections in middle and secondary school
• Preparing temporary mounts: peeling onion epidermis, teasing tissue, lowering cover slips
• Observation of preserved specimens where curricula still include it
• Science clubs and outreach programmes that issue kits to many participants

Care & Handling

• Number each kit and give students a contents checklist to tick when they return it.
• Wash and dry the instruments after every practical before closing the box; a damp box rusts them quickly.
• Remove scalpel blades before storage if the kit uses detachable blades.

Specifications

Why Choose LabEquip

Economy kits are ordered in bulk by schools equipping a biology lab for the first time and by state or district programmes supplying many schools. LabEquip lists this kit in its Biology Lab Products range; send quantities through the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ‘Number 119’ mean?

It appears to be a catalogue or model reference used by the supplier. It does not tell you how many instruments are in the kit, so check the contents list for that.

Which instruments are used most in school dissections?

Scissors, fine forceps and a needle are used in almost every practical, followed by a scalpel or razor for cutting sections and a seeker for tracing structures.

How should the instruments be checked on arrival?

Test scissors on thin paper right to the tips, check that forceps tips meet evenly, and pull gently on needles to make sure they are secure in their handles.

Is an economy kit suitable for college practicals?

It covers basic work, but college zoology and botany practicals usually need finer scissors and more instruments, which the intermediate or large sets provide.

How do I stop instruments rusting in the box?

Wash, dry completely and air them before closing the box. A sachet of silica gel in the storage cupboard helps in humid weather.

Can one kit be shared by two students?

Yes, many schools issue one kit per pair. One student cuts or holds while the other records, and they swap roles in the next practical.

Last Updated: September 2026