If you need some distilled water, it’s usually a pretty easy matter to go to the local supermarket and buy a convenient gallon jug. Or, if you’re willing to pay for the convenience, you can even order it on Amazon.

But it’s also easy to whip up a small batch at home, as shown in this self-explanatory photo from Radio News, October 1928.  The hanging container is filled with cold water, preferably ice water.  It should be as thin as possible.  The spout of the kettle is directed at this container, and the distilled water drips onto a plate below.

The idea was sent in to the magazine by  one C.A. Oldroyd.

If the aspiring young scientist needs distilled water for a science fair project, adding this method to the project will almost guarantee the elusive blue ribbon.