FoodNet

Domestic science, principles and application

1914

Page 7

Presented as published in 1914. Historical recipes may not meet modern food-safety standards. Cook from the modern interpretation, not the original instructions.
the can is scalded each week and set in the sun and air. 4 DOWESTIC SCTENCK Housekeeper No. 2, Section II, performs the following* duties: — 1. Bring out the supplies. 2. Pass dish cloths and towels. 3. Place gas ovens, if a baking lesson. 4. Rinse towels washed by Housekeeper No. 1. 5. Hang towels on a clothes rack to dry. 6. Wipe off and polish the gas range. 7. Clean the ice box; empty any dishes that may need attention. (Note. — Keep milk and butter in the lower part of the box.) 8. Clean all ovens and tea kettles. 9. On Friday, scald out the ice box and wipe off the shelves. See that the trap is clean. 10. See that each desk is supplied with soap, flour, salt, and matches. 11. Pass drinking water to Section II. 12. Collect the garbage from utility pans. 13. Put away all supplies. 14. Sweep floor around Section H. 15. Clean sink, soap dish, and strainer of sink No. 2. 16. Dust the moldings of the room, all ledges, and furni- ture. 17. Afternoon class close and lock the windows. INSTRUCTIONS TO HOUSEKEEPERS Dust and Its Dangers. — There are two kinds of dust, living and lifeless. For the most part the dust we find in our homes or schools is made up largely of earth or other matter in such small particles that it can be carried by the wind. It is present everywhere. Carried in this lifeless dust we find a living, invisible dust, called germs or microbes. These germs are the smallest living plants, and are so small INSTRUCTIONS TO HOUSEKEEPERS 5 that it takes a powerful microscope, enlarging them at least fifty times, to make them visible. There are three classes of these little microscopic plants; namely, molds , yeasts, and bacteria. Some of these, as you already know, are very useful to us, such as the yeast plant, in making bread. Others produce dangerous poisons that cause disease of all kinds. What Hastens Germ Growth. — Things necessary for the growth of most molds and bacteria are dark, damp, unclean places, and food and warmth. Can you name some such places? For this reason it is always necessary to try to keep our houses and ourselves as clean as possible in order to destroy or to prevent the growth of these germs. What Stops Germ Growth. — Anything that destroys these living plants, or micro-organisms, is called a disinfect- ant. There are two kinds of disinfectants: — 1. Physical, or natural, disinfectants; as, sunshine and heat. 2. Chemical disinfectants, or those that act chemically upon the bacteria; as, carbolic acid, formaldehyde, strong acids and alkalies. Some substances prevent the growth of germs, and are called antiseptics and preservatives. Some of these are borax, salt, peroxide, sirups, and many others. We shall learn more about some of these later. Dust and dirt, then, is not only objectionable to look upon when it is about the floor, the furniture, and persons, but one never can tell what germs it may contain that may do us harm if they enter our bodies. Certain kinds of bac- teria in the body produce diseases, such as diphtheria, typhoid fever, and tuberculosis. 6 DOME Si TIC SCIENCE At all times let us each observe the rules of cleanliness, and avoid any habits that hinder the having of clean, wholesome food, a clean house and school to live in, and a healthy mind and body. CLEANSING AGENIS