FoodNet

Handbook of domestic science and household arts for use in elementary schools

1900

Page 26

Presented as published in 1900. Historical recipes may not meet modern food-safety standards. Cook from the modern interpretation, not the original instructions.
not "flasli" till warmed to 150° F. Some states require a flashing point of 200° F. It is a question whetlier the hovisekeeper should apply the standard test herself or trust to the dealer. Miss Parloa advises filling a cup one- quarter full of cold water, inserting a thermometer, and then adding boiling water till the temperature reaches 110° F. At this point add two teaspoons oil and with a lighted taper try to ignite the oil. If it takes fire, it is not safe. Kerosene of a high standard is in the end more economi- cal even though more expensive, as it is more even and lasting in its combustion. Natural gas is a hydrocarbon similar but not equal in value to good coal gas. It is obtained by boring in the same way petroleum wells are bored. Though not as- sociated together in the earth, the general conclusion is that coal, petroleum, and natural gas must have a similar origin. In regions where it is found, natural gas is used for heat- ing, lighting, and cooking, proving a very ideal fuel. Acetylene gas is not a natural product, being made artifi- cially by action of water on calcium carbid, CaCa- It burns with an intense white light ; but at present its use as a fuel is problematical, as it has proved, under perhaps careless use, very explosive. Some authorities state that there is some acetylene gas formed in the inner cone of gas and candle flames, and that light is largely due to its presence. Alcohols. — Besides the wood alcohol which is produced by destructive distillation of wood, there is a second alcohol produced by fermentation. This alcoholic product of fermentation is called ethyl alcohol or spirits of wine. Both alcohols are very volatile and should be closely stop- pered. They burn with a faint blue flame, producing a fair amount of heat. They may be used in chafing-dish burners as well as in lamps. The objection to wood alcohol is that THE KITCHEN 47 often tliere is an unpleasant odor connected with its use, and it is thought to be a poison, hence is used only as a fuel, never as a solvent in food or medicine as ethyl alcohol may be used. Alcohol may be burned through a wick or from an asbestos pad. The later method is wasteful, as if any alcohol is unused it cannot be saved. Method. — In oral language lessons and in reading give the children the history of such of these fuels as are used in their own homes. Secure from them and for them specimens for study and exhibition. Lay special emphasis on the comparative fuel value and cost of these materials, letting them deduce these facts from their own observations and experiments. The Range: Theory, History of its Evolution, and Practical Work Kindling Point. — At ordinary temperatures very f eAV substances unite readily with oxygen, but require a very high degree of heat before chemical union can take place. This degree varies with each substance and is known as its kindling point.