I got a meerschaum pipe with a lot that had been dropped a few times. It was a Bacchus but most of the features are gone. It was completely un-smoked and new so I decided it has volunteered for some testing. I decided since there are so many warnings about alcohol and meerschaum to start there. I put enough 91% isopropyl alcohol in a container to immerse the strummel. 1st observation: It Floats! The head floated for approximately 2 hours until it absorbed enough alcohol to sink. I let it soak for 7 days. it took 4 days for the alcohol smell to disapate. There is no damage whatsoever. One myth laid to rest... I will try to come up with some more torture testing buy I am open to suggestions. -jeff