228. Heat-Conducting Cake or Bread Tin. 229. Heat Conductors for Joints.
Stanley’s Heat Conductors.
Fig. 229 represents the simple forms of conductors. The form A is for roasting or baking, for which purpose one or two, or even three or more if the joint is very large, are inserted into the thickest parts of any joint, the heads standing out an inch or so.
For roasting before a brisk fire, or baking in an oven, thick joints of over 6 lb., 10 minutes per lb. is amply sufficient time, instead of the usual time (15 minutes per lb.) The meat will be thoroughly cooked in this time, and the gravy and nourishment maintained. The joint will weigh, after cooking, 10 per cent. more than it would if cooked in the ordinary manner without conductors. This fact has been proved by the highest authorities.
Fig. 228 shows a heat-conducting cake or bread baking tin. They can be had of H. T. Tallack, 28, Hatton Garden, E.C.
The Sickroom: Accessories. Continued from p. [765].
W. H. Harling’s (47, Finsbury Pavement, London, E.C.) Portable Electric Combination Bell is a unique invention combining a table call bell, invalids’ bell set, burglar alarm and fire alarm, and for usefulness, compactness, and finish, far surpasses anything of the sort hitherto introduced. The distinct advantage of the portable combination bell will at once be seen when it is stated that the whole apparatus, including battery, and all other parts complete, occupies no greater space than 3½ in., and as the battery contains no fluid, the bell can be safely packed in portmanteau or travelling bag. It is both useful and ornamental, and will be found a great convenience on any dining table. For use in hotels and restaurants it may combine a bell with menu and wine list holder. As an invalids’ bell set, the bell may be placed outside the room, so as not to annoy the patient, and the contact press remaining inside, the attendant may be summoned by slightly pressing it with the fingers. As a burglar alarm and thief detector, on fixing the contact press to door or window, box or portmanteau lids, drawers, cabinets, &c., these on being opened will immediately start the alarm, which will continue to ring until the press is re-set. This feature of the bell is invaluable to tourists and travellers, and affords ample protection against surprise or robbery. As a fire alarm it can be adjusted to ring at any degree above the normal temperature, and will at once give the alarm should a fire break out in any room in which it is placed. The price complete is 21s.
Harling’s Patent Double Contact Press, for attachment to Electric Bell Fittings, can be fixed in a few seconds to any ordinary push, and be used as an Invalid’s Press enabling the patient to call attention without rising from bed or chair; or be applied to door, window, box-lid, cabinet, &c., for the detection of Thieves and Burglars. Its price, with 15 ft. double silk cord, is 3s. 9d.
The Sickroom: Common Complaints. Continued from p. [809].
Defective Sight.—The human eye is generally compared physically with a photographic camera, in which a convex lens throws the image of objects in front of it upon a screen at the position at which the photograph is taken. The front of the eye possesses a lens of similar qualities, and the back of the eye forms a screen upon which a fine net-work of nerves (retina) is spread out, which conveys by its sensitiveness to light, shade, and colour, the image of objects to the brain. Defective sight in most instances is caused by the imperfect form of the lens of the eye, or the want of its perfect adjustment to distance from the retina, thus failing to throw a distinct image upon it.
The most common defects of the eye are termed Myopia or near-sightedness, in which the image of objects is thrown in front of the retina, and Presbyopia, literally old-sightedness or far-sightedness, in which the image is thrown behind the retina. The former is a structural defect of the eye, the latter more generally proceeds from want of elasticity in the lens, making it incapable of giving adjustment to the eye for near objects. Another very common defect of the eye is want of roundness of the front of the eye, or Astigmatism, in which the images are distorted in various ways. This defect is generally easily discovered by vertical objects appearing to be curved or leaning one way or the other. Very commonly sight is defective from difference of structure in the two eyes. These defects are very common to children, and interfere seriously with their learning, and often produce squint, as an effort of nature to avoid the painful confusion of images that are produced. When discovered it is well to consult a skilled optician as early as possible, who will, if necessary, recommend an oculist if the case requires one. All the defects mentioned above are remediable by use of spectacles if the constitution of the individual is healthy.