A. Bright metal does not absorb heat, but reflect it (i. e. throw the heat back again); and as the heat is thrown off from the surface of bright metal, therefore, a new kettle is longer boiling.
Q. Why do we wear white linen and a black outer dress, if we want to be warm?
A. The black outer dress quickly absorbs heat from the sun, and conveys it to the body; and the white linen (being a bad absorbent) abstracts no heat from the warm body.
Q. Why do persons wear white dresses in summer time?
A. White throws off the heat of the sun by reflection, and is, therefore, a very bad absorbent of heat; in consequence of which, it never becomes so hot from the scorching sun as dark colours do.
Q. Why do not persons wear white dresses in winter time?
A. White will not absorb heat, like black and other dark colours; and, therefore, white dresses are not so warm as dark ones.
Q. What colours are warmest for dresses?
A. For outside garments black is the warmest, and then such colours as approach nearest to black (as dark blue and green). White is the coldest colour for external clothing.