238 WISE PEOPLE ARE THE MOST MODEST. and from dead bodies on board ship, and in other situations. does not differ in appearance from an ordinary respirator, but is only half its weight, and about one-fifth of its price. "The air is made to pass through a quarter of an inch of coarsely powdered charcoal, retained in its place by two sheets of silvered wire gauze, covered over with thin woollen cloth, by which means its temperature is greatly increased. The charcoal respirator possesses several advantages over the respirators ordinarily in use, viz. :— "In a letter to the Society of Arts I also proposed to employ charcoal ventilators, consisting of a thin layer of charcoal enclosed between two thin sheets of wire gauze, to purify the foul air which is apt to accumulate in waterclosets, in the close wards of hospitals, and in the impure atmospheres of many of the back courts and mews-lanes of large cities, all the impurities being absorbed and retained by the charcoal, while a current of pure air alone is admitted into the neighbouring apart-the chest, under many forms of dys ments. "In this way pure air is obtained from exceedingly impure sources. Such an arrangement as this, carried out on a large scale, would be especially useful to persons necessitated to live in pestiferous districts within the tropics, where the miasmata of ague, yellow fever, and similar diseases are prevalent. "The proper amount of air required by houses in such situations might be admitted through sheets of wire gauze or coarse canvas, containing a thin layer of coarse charcoal powder. "Under such circumstances, also, pillows stuffed with powdered charcoal, and bed coverlets having the same material quilted into them, could not fail to prove highly beneficial. "A tolerably thick charcoal ventilator, such as I have just described, could be very advantageously applied to the gully-holes of our common sewers, and to the sinks in private dwellings, the foul water in both cases being carried into the drain by means of tolerably wide syphon pipes, retaining always about a couple of inches of water. "Such an arrangement would effectually prevent the escape of any effluvia, would be easy of construction, and not likely to get soon out of order. The charcoal respirators to which I have already referred, and to which I wish to draw especial attention, are of three kinds. "The first form of the respirator is constricted for the mouth alone, and "1st. Where the breath is at all fœtid, which is usually the case in diseases of pepsia, &c., the disagreeable effluvia are absorbed by the charcoal, so that comparatively pure air is alone inhaled. This, I think, may occasionally exert a beneficial influence on diseases of the throat and lungs. "2ndly. The charcoal respirator for the mouth alone will certainly prove highly useful in poisonous atmospheres, where miasmata abound, if the simple precaution is only observed of inspiring the air by the mouth and expiring it by the nostrils. "The second form of respirator is ori-nasal-that is, embracing both the mouth and the nose. It is only very slightly larger than the one already described, and does not cover the nose, as the ordinary ori-nasal respirator does, but merely touches its lower extremity, to which it is adapted by means of a piece of flexible metal covered with soft leather. When this respirator is worn, no air enters the lungs without first passing through the charcoal, and any effluvia or miasmata contained in the atmosphere are absorbed and oxidized by the charcoal. This form of the respirator, therefore, is peculiarly adapted for protecting the wearer against fevers and other infectious dis FOOLS HAVE AN ABUNDANCE OF VANITY. 239 from the noxious effects of the dele- charcoal. A similar arrangement will, terious gases to which they are fre- in all probability, be likewise soon quently exposed. applied to the wards of St. Bartholomew's, and every other well-conducted hospital. "I am aware that some persons, who admit the deodorizing properties of charcoal, deny that it acts as a disinfectant. I would direct the attention of such persons to the following statement of facts:-The bodies of a full grown cat and two rats were placed in open pans, and covered by two inches of powdered charcoal. The pans stood in my laboratory several years, and though it is generally very warm, not the slightest smell was ever perceptible, nor have any injurious effects been experienced by any of the persons by whom the laboratory is daily frequented. "Now, had the bodies of these animals been left to putrefy under ordinary circumstances, not only would the stench emitted have been intolerable, but some of the persons would certainly have been struck down by fever or other malignant disorders. Charcoal powder has been most successfully employed, both at St. Mary's and St. Bartholomew's hospitals, to arrest the progress of gangrene and other putrid sores. The charcoal does not require to be put immediately in contact with the sores, but is placed above the dressings, not unfrequently quilted loosely in a little cotton wool. In many cases patients who were rapidly sinking have been restored to health. "In the instance of hospital gangrene, we have to deal not only with the effluvia, but also with real miasmata; for, as is well known, the poisonous gases emitted by gangrenous sores not only affect the individual with whom the mischief has originated, but readily infect the perfectly healthy wounds of any individual who may happen to be in its vicinity. So that in this way gangrene has been known to spread not only through one ward, but through several wards of the same hospital. "The dissecting-room at St. Bartholomew's hospital has been perfectly deodorized by means of a few trays filled with a thin layer of freshly-heated wood "From these and other considerations, therefore, I feel perfectly confident that charcoal is by far the cheapest and best disinfectant. "Unlike many other disinfectants, it evolves no disagreeable vapours, and if heated in close vessels will always act, however long it has been in use, quite as effectively as at first. "If our soldiers and sailors, therefore, when placed in unhealthy situations, were furnished with charcoal respirators, such as the second form above described, and if the floors of the tents and the lower decks of the ships were covered by a thin layer of freshly burnt wood charcoal, I think we could have little in future to apprehend from the ravages of cholera, yellow fever, and similar diseases, by which our forces have of late been decimated. If found more convenient, the charcoal powder might be covered with coarse canvas, without its disinfectant properties being materially impaired. "The efficiency of the charcoal may be greatly increased by making it redhot before using it. This can easily be done by heating it in an iron saucepan covered with an iron lid. "When the charcoal is to be applied to inflammable substances, such as wooden floors, &c., of course it must be allowed to cool in close vessels before being used." 1671. Domestic Hints.-Why is the flesh of sheep that are fed near the sea more nutritious than that of others? Because the saline particles (sea salt) which they find with their green food gives purity to their blood and flesh. 1672. Why does the marbled appearance of fat in meat indicate that it is young and tender?-Because in young animals fat is dispersed through the muscles, but in old animals it is laid in masses on the outside of the flesh. 240 WALK SWIFTLY FROM TEMPTATION, OR IT MAY OVERTAKE YOU. 1673. Why is some flesh white and other flesh red? White flesh contains a larger proportion of albumen (similar to the white of egg) than that which is red. The amount of blood retained in the flesh also influences its colour. 1674. Why are raw oysters more wholesome than those that are cooked? When cooked they are partly deprived of salt water, which promotes their digestion; their albumen becomes hard (like hard-boiled eggs). 1675. Why have some oysters a green tinge?-This has been erroneously attributed to the effects of copper; but it arises from the oyster feeding upon small green sea-weeds, which grow where such oysters are found. 1676. Why is cabbage rendered more wholesome by being boiled in two waters? -Because cabbages contain an oil, which is apt to produce bad effects, and prevents some persons from eating green" vegetables. When boiled in two waters, the first boiling carries off the greater part of this oil. 1677. Why should horseradish be scraped for the table only just before it is required?-Because the peculiar oil of horseradish is very volatile; it quickly evaporates, and leaves the vegetable substance dry and insipid. vents its becoming sour, because it expels the oxygen. 1681. Why does the churning of cream or milk produce butter ?-Because the action of stirring, together with a moderate degree of warmth, causes the cells in which the butter is confined to burst; the disengaged fat collects in flakes, and ultimately coheres in large masses. 1682. What is the blue mould which appears sometimes upon cheese?—It is a species of fungus, or minute vegetable, which may be distinctly seen when examined by a magnifying glass. 1683. Why are some of the limbs of birds more tender than others?—The tenderness or toughness of flesh is determined by the amount of exercise the muscles have undergone. Hence the wing of a bird that chiefly walks, and the leg of a bird that chiefly flies, are the most tender. 1684. Why does tea frequently cure headache?-Because, by its stimulant action on the general circulation, in which the brain participates, the nervous congestions are overcome. 1685. Why are clothes of smooth and shining surfaces best adapted for hot weather? Because they reflect or turn back the rays of the sun, which are thus prevented from penetrating them. 1678. Why is mint eaten with pea soup? The properties of mint are sto- 1686. Why is loose clothing warmer machic and antispasmodic. It is there-than tight articles of dress?-Because fore useful to prevent the flatulencies the loose dress encloses a stratum of that might arise, especially from soups warm air, which the tight dress shuts made of green or dried peas. out; for the same reason, woollen articles, though not warmer in themselves, appear so, by keeping warm air near to the body. 1679. Why is apple sauce eaten with pork and goose?-Because it is slightly laxative, and therefore tends to counteract the effects of rich and stimulating meats. The acid of the apples also neutralizes the oily nature of the fat, and prevents biliousness. 1680. Why does milk turn sour during thunder storms ?-Because, in an electric condition of the atmosphere, ozone is generated. Ozone is oxygen in a state of great intensity; and oxygen is a general acidifier of many organic substances. Boiling milk pre ? of 1687. Why should the water poured upon tea be at the boiling point?— Because it requires the temperature boiling water to extract the peculiar oil of tea. 1688. Why does the first infusion of tea possess more aroma than the second? Because the first infusion, if the water used is at the boiling temperature, takes up the essential oil of the tea, while the second water receives only VICE CHEATS ITS VOTARIES. 241 the bitter extract supplied by the tannic | ism, and be not over timid at the outacid of tea. set. Be discreet and sparing of your 1689. Why does a head-dress of sky- words. Awkwardness is a great misblue become a fair person?-Because light blue is the complementary colour of pale orange, which is the foundation of the blonde complexion and hair. 1690. Why are yellow, orange, or red colours suitable to a person of dark hair and complexion ?-Because those colours, by contrast with the dark skin and hair, show to the greater advantage themselves, while they enrich the hue of black. fortune, but it is not an unpardonable fault. To deserve the reputation of moving in good society, something more is requisite than the avoidance of blunt rudeness. Strictly keep to your engagements. Punctuality is the essence of politeness. 1698. THE TOILET.-Too much attention cannot be paid to the arrangements of the toilet. A man is often judged by his appearance, and seldom 1691. Why is a delicate green fa- incorrectly. A neat exterior, equally vourable to pale blonde complexions ?- free from extravagance and poverty, Because it imparts a rosiness to such almost always proclaims a right-minded complexions-red, its complementary man. To dress appropriately, and with colour, being reflected upon green. good taste, is to respect yourself and 1692. Why is light green unfavour-others. A gentleman walking, should able to ruddy complexions?-Because it increases the redness, and has the effect of producing an overheated appear and Wright. 2s. 6d. always wear gloves, this being one of the characteristics of good breeding. Fine linen, and a good hat, gloves, and boots, are evidences of the highest taste in dress. 1699. VISITING DRESS.-A black coat and trousers are indispensable for a visit of ceremony, an entertainment, or a ball. The white or black waistcoat is equally proper in these cases. 1700. OFFICERS' DRESS. Upon public and state occasions officers should appear in uniform. 1701. LADIES' DRESS. Ladies' dresses should be chosen so as to produce an agreeable harmony. Never put on a dark-coloured bonnet with a light spring costume. Avoid uniting colours which will suggest an epigram; such as a straw-coloured dress with a green bonnet. 1702. ARRANGEMENT OF THE HAIR. -The arrangement of the hair is most, important. Bands are becoming to faces of a Grecian caste. Ringlets better suit lively and expressive heads. 1703. ExCESS OF LACE AND face, avoid an excess of lace, and let FLOWERS.-Whatever be your style of flowers be few and choice. 1704. APPROPRIATENESS OF ORNA + See "Etiquette and Social Ethics." 1s. MENTS.-In a married woman a richer London Houlston and Wright. style of ornament is admissible. Costly 242 PEOPLE SWEAR BECAUSE THEY KNOW THEIR WORDS ARE WORTHLESS. elegance for her-for the young girl, a style of modest simplicity. 1705. SIMPLICITY AND GRACE.The most elegant dress loses its character if it is not worn with grace. Young girls have often an air of constraint, and their dress seems to partake of their want of ease. In speaking of her toilet, a woman should not convey the idea that her whole skill consists in adjusting tastefully some trifling ornaments. A simple style of dress is an indication of modesty. 1706. CLEANLINESS.-The hands should receive especial attention. They are the outward signs of general cleanliness. The same may be said of the face, the neck, the ears, and the teeth. The cleanliness of the system generally, and of bodily apparel, pertains to Health, and is treated of under this head. 1707. THE HANDKERCHIEF. There is considerable art in using this accessory of dress and comfort. Avoid extreme patterns, styles, and colours. Never be without a handkerchief. Hold it freely in the hand, and do not roll it into a ball. Hold it by the centre, and let the corners form a fanlike expansion. Avoid using it too much. With some persons the habit becomes troublesome and unpleasant. 1708. VISITS AND PRESENTATIONS. -i. Friendly calls should be made in the forenoon, and require neatness, without costliness of dress. ii. Calls to give invitations to dinner-parties, or balls, should be very short, and should be paid in the after enclose your card in an envelope, beg ing the address outside. This may sent by post, if you reside at a tance. vii. But, if living in the neighbor hood, it is polite to send your servar or to call. In the latter case a com should be turned down. viii. Scrape your shoes and use t mat. Never appear in a drawing-ro with mud on your boots. ix. When a new visitor enters: drawing-room, if it be a gentlem the ladies bow slightly; if a lady, th guests rise. x. Hold your hat in your hand, The less requested to place it down. lay it beside you. xi. The last arrival in a drawing room takes a seat left vacant near the mistress of the house. xii. A lady is not required to rise to receive a gentleman, nor to accom pany him to the door. 2 xiii. When your visitor retires, ring the bell for the servant. You may the accompany your guest as far towards the door as the circumstances of your friendship seem to demand. xiv. Request the servant, during the visit of guests, to be ready to attend to the door the moment the bell rings. xv. When you introduce a person, pronounce the name distinctly, and say whatever you can to make the introduction agreeable. Such as "an old and valued friend," a "schoolfellow of mine," "an old acquaintance of our family.' xvi. Never stare about you in a room as if you were taking stock. xvii. The gloves should not be removed during a visit. xviii. Be hearty in your reception of guests; and where you see much diffidence, assist the stranger to throw it off. xix. A lady does not put her address on her visiting card. 1709. Balls and Evening Parties.-i. An invitation to a ball should be given at least a week beforehand. ii. Upon entering, first address the |