Fur, eider down, feathers, raw silk, wood, lamp-black, cotton, soot, charcoal, &c.
124. Why has the toasting-fork a wooden handle?
Because wood is not so good a conductor as metal, therefore the wood prevents the heat from being transmitted by conduction to our hands.
125. Why has the coffee-pot a wooden handle?
Because the metal of the coffee-pot would otherwise conduct the heat to the hand; but wood, being a bad conductor, prevents it.
126. Why does hot water in a metal jug feel hotter than in an earthenware one?
Because metal, being a good conductor, readily delivers heat to the hand; but earthenware, being an indifferent conductor, parts with the heat slowly.
127. How can we ascertain that wood prevents the conduction of heat to the hand?
By passing the top of the finger along the wooden handle of the coffee-pot, until it reaches the point where the wood meets the metal. The wooden handle will be found to be cool, but the metal will feel very hot.