Q. Why will the egg sink if the brine be not strong enough for pickling?
A. As an egg is heavier than water, it will sink if immersed therein; but if as much salt be added as the water can dissolve, the egg will float.
Q. Why will the egg float in strong brine?
A. Because the specific gravity of salt and water is greater than that of water only.
Q. Why do persons sink in water when they are unskilful swimmers?
A. 1st—Because (in their floundering about) they take in water at their nose and mouth, which makes them heavier:
2ndly—Fear contracts the body; and as the body is compressed by fear into a smaller compass, it becomes heavier: and
3rdly—The water and fear take away the breath; and when the breath is taken from the body, its bulk is reduced, and it becomes heavier.
Q. Why can quadrupeds swim more easily than man?
A. 1st—Because the trunk of a quadruped is lighter than water, and this is the greatest part of them: