2ndly—It conducts away the heat of our hot hands.
Q. Are Lisle thread gloves absorbents of heat?
A. As Lisle thread gloves are generally of a grey or lilac colour, they do not absorb solar heat.
Q. Why is a plate-warmer made of un-painted bright tin?
A. Bright tin reflects (or throws back) the heat, which issues from the fire in rays; and (by reflecting the heat upon the meat) assists greatly in roasting it.
Q. Why would not the tin reflector do as well if it were painted?
A. If the tin reflector were painted, it would be utterly spoiled, because it would then absorb heat, and not reflect it at all. A plate-warmer should be kept very clean, bright, and free from all scratches.
Q. Why should a reflector be kept so very clean and free from scratches?
A. If a reflector be spotted, dull, or scratched, it will absorb heat, instead of reflecting it; and, therefore, would be of no use whatsoever as a reflector.