308 SCIENCE OF COMMON THINGS. 



How smoking preserves meat. What is albumen ? 



Because by so doing we remove the moisture and air 

 essential to the process of decay. 



19SS Why does the smoking of fish or flesh contribute to their pre- 

 servation f 



Because the volatile matters of the smoke, such as 

 creosote, pyroligneous acid, and the like, effect a 

 species of chemical combination with the fibre of the 

 meat, and with the substances contained in the natural 

 juices of the flesh, which combinations are less liable 

 to decay than the substances themselves. 



1989 What is albumen f 



Albumen is an animal substance as well as vegetable. 

 It exists most abundantly, and in its purest natural 

 state, in the white of an egg, from whence it derives its 

 name (album ovi\ which is the Latin for the white of 

 an egg. 



The serum or fluid portion of the blood (which, after exposure to the 

 air, is separated from tlie more solid part) the vitreous and crystalline 

 humors of the eye, the brain, the spinal marrow, and nerves, all contain 

 albumen. 



1990 What is the yolk of an egg f 



This also consists of albumen, but contains in addition 

 a yellow oil, which imparts to it its color. 



1991 Why is meat tough which has been boiled too long f 



Because the albumen becomes hard, like the white 

 of a hard-boiled egg. 



The best way of boiling meat to make it tender is this: Put your joint 

 In very brisk boiling water; after a few minutes add a little cold water. 

 The boiling water will fix the albumen, which will prevent the water- 

 from soaking into the .meat, keep all its juices in,. and prevent the 

 muscular fibre from contracting. The addition of cold water will secure 

 the cooking of the inside of the meat, as well as of the surface. 



1993 Why is meat always tough if it be put into the boiler before the 

 water boils f 



Because the water is not hot enough to coagulate the 

 albumen between the muscular fibres of the meat, 

 which therefore runs into the water, and rises to the 

 surface as scum. 



1993 Why -is Ute flash of old animals tough ? 



