[Machiavelli]

Sorry if this is the wrong forum, but I need to start somewhere.
Without going into extensive detail...I have a sample of an "oily" substance that I want to duplicate.  There is no patent on it, so I am not worried about legal issues.  
I talked to a local lab, and they want approximately $2500.00 for testing.  This is out of my price range!  The guy that I talked to suggested that I check with some university students.  Any ideas?
Thanks for any info!
Machi

[xiankai]

if u could provide the testers with more specifics, im sure the cost will be reduced as they can confine their apparatus usage to a minimum. for starters, where did u obtain it from?

[Qazzian]

If you want to find out what makes it up, you'd probably want mass spect. I'm guessing the lab would know this, and would have given you a price based on that. I'd take their advice and take it to a university, and see if they can help you. The best we can do on a message board is try to point you in the right direction.

Also, why do you want to duplicate it?