212 



SIMPLE ELECTRIC DEVICES 



as long as the current flows, and the laundress is free from 



the disadvantages of a slowly cooling iron, and is relieved 

 of frequent substitution of a warm 

 iron for a cold one. Electric irons are 

 particularly valuable in summer, be- 

 cause they eliminate the necessity for a 

 strong fire, and spare the housewife in- 

 tense heat. In addition, the user is not 

 confined to the laundry, but is free to 



seek the coolest part of the house, the only requisite being an 



electrical connection. 



The toaster (Fig. 78) is another useful electric device, 



since by means of it toast may be made on a dining table or 



FIG. 77. The fine wires are 

 strongly heated by the cur- 

 rent which flows through 

 them. 



FIG. 78. Electric devices : A. An electric toaster; B. An electric stove. 



at a bedside. The small electric stove, shown in Figure 78, 

 is similar in principle to the flatiron. In it the heating coil is 



FIG. 79. Base of an electric 

 heater cut away to show the 

 resistance wire which is heated 

 by the electric current. 



FIG. 80. An electric pad serves 

 same purpose as a hot-water bag. 



