184 ABSOBPT10N. 



Q. Why is the FACE COOLED by wiping the 

 temples with a fine CAMBRIC HANDKERCHIEF P 



A. The fine fibres of the cambric 

 have a strong capillary attraction for 

 moisture; and are excellent conductors 

 of heat : thus the moisture and heat are 

 both abstracted from the face, and a 

 sensation of coolness is produced. 



" Capillary attraction," i. e. the attraction of a thread or 

 hair. The wick of a candle is wet with grease, because the 

 melted tallow runs up the cotton from capillary attraction. 



Q. Why would not a COTTON handkerchief do 

 as well ? 



A. The coarse fibres of cotton have 

 much less capillary attraction, and are 

 nothing like such good conductors as 

 linen : and, therefore, wiping the face 

 with a cotton handkerchief, increases the 

 sensation of warmth. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



2. ABSORPTION OF HEAT. 



Q. What is the difference between CONDUCTING 

 heat, and ABSORBING heat? 



A, To conduct heat, is to transmit it 



