SCIENCE OF COMMON THINGS. 30? 



"What is ether ? Disinfecting agents. 



tation, though it does not prevent its renewal when the 

 temperature is increased. 



193O Wliat is ether t 



Ether is a product obtained by distilling strong alco- 

 hol and sulphuric acid. The product is called sul- 

 phuric ether, but it does not contain sulphuric acid, 

 nor has it any sulphur in its composition. 



j 1981 What are the properties of ether ? 



It is an exceedingly volatile, inflammable body, pro- 

 ducing insensibility when inhaled, and readily dis- 

 solving all fatty and oily bodies. 



1932 Why will etlier remove spots of oil, paint, or grease from gar* 

 ments? 



Because it is a solvent for all greasy, oily matters. 



1933 What are the best agents for depriving putrid and decaying 

 animal and vegetable substances of their offensive odo^s ? 



Chloride of lime is the most effectual agent ; and 

 chloride of zinc and sulphate of iron (green vitriol) are 

 also exceedingly efficient. On a large scale, as in the 

 sanatory cleansing of towns, pulverized charcoal, burnt 

 clay, and quicklime, are to be recommended. 



1984 What effect does the use of perfumes or the burning of pastiles 

 have upon offensive odors ? 



They merely disguise the odor, but do not remove or 

 destroy it. 



1935 By adopting what precautions may a person safely enter sick 

 rooms, or visit, without risk, the most dangerous receptacles of filth ? 



By moistening a linen cloth with vinegar, and sprink- 

 ling over it finely-powdered chloride of lirne. 



Air breathed through this, applied to the mouth and nostrils, will enter 

 the lungs charged with a minute quantity of chlorine, which will effec- 

 tually destroy any noxious vapors or miasms that escape from diseased 

 bodies, or from decaying animal and vegetable substances. 



1980 What three conditions are requisite to produce putrefaction in 

 animal and vegetable substances ? 



It is necessary that they should be exposed to the 

 combined influence of air, heat, and moisture. 



1987 Why is a substance preserved from decay by drying, or by tin 

 exclusion of air from it? 



