Catalysis?

Squeaking of labels. 
Ask most folk what a Catalyst is and chances are you'll get one of two answers:-
1. DUH!
2. It speeds up chemical reactions.
More years ago than I'd like to remember old Solomon (Chemi Master) declared - NO!  A catalyst alters the speed of a chemical reaction.
The former is so engraved in stone - thus:-
"1. A substance, usually used in small amounts relative to the reactants, that modifies and increases the rate of a reaction without being consumed in the process. (NO mention of slowing)One that precipitates a process or event, especially without being involved in or changed by the consequences."
So much so that I actually had to alter the wording from asking what one was to asking if one could slow a reaction.
2. "The catalysts can be used to increase or decrease the speed of a chemical reaction. The catalysts which reduce the speed of a reaction are called negative catalysts. They decrease the speed of the reaction by increasing the activation energy of the reaction."
I'd have thought, after Mr. O'Barmy, Bad Orange Man and Emperor Bai-Den absolutely NOTHING could sunder the USA any more.
WRONG - COVID has.  Every scale between the best thing since the wheel right through to - It's a biological weapon designed to depopulate the World.
I'm not sure it's quite so bad over here - BUT - like the last couple of Wars, or any other natural disaster, it's worked as a positive catalyst, bringing out the best in the good folk and the worst in the bad b*****s.
Almost every till, or shop now has a similarly worded sign in sight.


Sermon over.


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