Abstract: In a multi-station reaction apparatus (1) comprising an annular heat transfer block (30) formed with a plurality of cavities (31) for receiving respective reaction vessels (36), the upper surface of the heat transfer block (30) has a central recess (32) around which the said plurality of cavities (31) are arrayed. The apparatus further comprises a removable cooling module (4), the central recess (32) of the heat transfer block (30) being shaped so as to accommodate the removable cooling module (4) and corresponding surfaces of the central recess (32) of the heat transfer block (30) and the cooling module (4) being shaped such that there is a stepped interface between them. The cooling module (4) comprises a metal block having channels therein through which coolant circulates when the cooling module (4) is in use.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring temperature dependent changes has a heating arrangement, which includes two pieces of heat insulation material defining a cavity containing a heat sink member and an electrical heater for the heat sink member. The block is perforated to allow entry of a sample tube and to provide a viewing passage. The arrangement is detachably mounted on a neck portion upstanding from a base.