A method of making a test device comprised of a container divided into two
chambers, each holding a volume of a clear test liquid, the chambers
separated by a porous barrier. The liquid is introduced into the lower
chamber by adding a liquid to the upper chamber through the open top of
the container and then applying a vacuum to completely evacuate air from
the lower chamber by drawing the air through the barrier and liquid in
the upper chamber. Restoring air pressure forces liquid in the upper
chamber into the lower chamber, to completely fill the same while leaving
a volume of liquid in the upper chamber. The application of a vacuum is
preferably carried out by placing the container with liquid in a
receptacle containing a liquid to be boiled, heating the liquid to boil
the same and thereafter condensing the vapor with the receptacle sealed
to develop a very high vacuum which draws the air out from the lower
chamber of the container. The boiling can be done with the receptacle
sealed to develop a higher temperature and later vented prior to being
resealed for cooling and condensing of the vaporized liquid to further
enhance the level of vacuum achieved.