208 GENERAL SCIENCE 



the business world, and to this end both husband and wife 

 contribute in the discharge of all duties assumed by them or 

 naturally devolving upon them as individuals. The arrange- 

 ment of rooms in the house, and the furnishings that best 

 contribute to the conduct of household affairs, together 

 with all matters connected with the cost of living, are of 

 joint concern to all members of the family. 



So great have been the changes within the last half century 

 in conditions of family life, and in the kind of work necessary 

 in household affairs, that plans of houses built to-day differ 

 widely from those of two generations ago. 



This is true in many respects other than "modern con- 

 veniences". Then the kitchen was the centre of all the 

 manifold activities of the home life. As a veritable "living 

 room" it was made sufficiently large for use as dining room, 

 laundry, and sitting room, and for the preparation of food- 

 stuffs for both immediate and later family use. Nowadays 

 it is often a model in its compact arrangements and con- 

 veniences for work. It is so planned as to economize both 

 time and energy in the discharge of the fewer household 

 duties that centre in the kitchen. 



Before moving into any dwelling it is a matter of wise 

 precaution to gain some knowledge of its history with regard 

 to infectious diseases. The possibilities of disease germs 

 remaining lodged on its walls and woodwork, or in corners 

 and cracks where dirt has accumulated, is sufficient reason 

 for care in this respect. Paint and varnish and new wall 

 paper have values other than for cleanliness and improved 

 appearances. 



Since sunlight and fresh air are destructive of disease 

 germs, and dampness is conducive to their development, 

 all rooms in a dwelling should be light, airy, and dry. Win- 

 dows are to let in sunlight and air as well as to keep out 

 dust and cold. From time to time the furnishings of rooms 



