Scientific research often requires specially made equipment. The glass blower can make intricate apparatuses designed to exacting specifications that are used in scientific laboratories for specific research purposes. Master glass blower John Lehman demonstrates this by making a hydrogenation apparatus that can turn vegetable oils into solid shortening. The first cathode ray tubes used in early television were created by glass blowers.

Glass blowing and working techniques can be used to make delicate and accurate glass instruments, which are used in scientific and medical experimentation.

The program opens with photos showing the versatility and expression of glass. Host Leo Geier explains that Johns Hopkins University employs full-time glassblower John Lehman because research scientists require intricate, complex glass equipment that no one has ever seen. Mr. Lehman demonstrates "pulling points" as he creates a ring seal for a trap. When Mr. Lehman first started blowing glass, there were only soft, soda, and lime glass varieties; now there are 75 different types and additional refinements are in process. A film covers the discovery of glass, from obsidian, natural glass used to carve weapons, vessels, and decorations, to the first manmade glass in 5000 BC and the Egyptians' glass jewelry and containers. Mr. Lehman demonstrates how to make a manometer from capillary tubing glass as well as the procedure in blowing a flask and a coiled glass tube. To demonstrate non-scientific aspects of the art, Mr. Lehman blows a swan, makes glass Christmas "snow," and completes a glass bird.

Fourth generation glassblower John Lehman makes a glass trap for a vacuum system as specified by chemistry professor John Gryder. Mr. Lehman and Dr. Gryder explain the process of making the glass piece, including "pulling points," using both cross fires and torch to heat the glass as it evolves. A brief film explores the history of glass, from volcanic obsidian to the man-made glass of the Egyptians. In 300 B.C. the blowpipe was invented, opening the way to new uses of glass. At the first American colony in Jamestown, Virginia, Captain John Smith built a glass factory. A film shows a reenactment of an early American glassblower making a bottle. Dr. Gryder displays historical tools still used in the art plus modern ones that have been added. Manufacturers of glass have changed the assumed properties of glass, making it pliant, strong, heat and cold resistant, etc. for new functions. Mr. Lehman completes the glass piece, inserts it in the vacuum system, and tests it for leaks.