A candle may be lighted without the match flame touching the wick, as follows: Light the candle, let it burn a bit; then blow it out. A small column of smoke will rise from the wick. Touch the match flame to this, a little above the wick, and it will ignite, travel down, and relight the wick from the burning oil gas.
Emergency Lifting Device of Rope and Lever
When block and tackle, chain hoists, or similar equipment are not at hand, the simple arrangement shown in the sketch is useful for lifting heavy loads. Make the lever A of a piece of 2 by 4-in. stuff, and cut notches into it for the ropes, as indicated. From a suitable support, B, fix the ropes C and D to the lever A at the proper notches, permitting the ends C-1 and D-1 to be drawn down and fastened to the floor or other support as required in raising the load. Fix the rope E to the load W, and suspend it from the lever A at the proper notch by means of a loop, E-1. To raise the load, bear down on the end of the lever when it is in its original position A-1, bringing it to the position A-2. This will bring the lower rope to position E-2. Draw up the slack in rope D, to bring the loop to position D-2, and fasten it. Then lift the lever A from its position A-2, to the position A-3, and draw up the slack in rope C to bring the loop up to position C-2. The lower rope will be brought to position E-3. By repeating this process, the load may be raised gradually. The ropes may, of course, be of various lengths within the range of the support and the operators.
Mucilage Brush and Container Made of a Test Tube
An ordinary test tube, about ⁵⁄₈ by 6 in. in size, may be made into a mucilage container and brush that economizes the material and does not get the fingers sticky. The end of the tube is covered with a piece of soft cloth after the tube is filled, as shown in the sketch. A convenient way to care for the device is to keep it in a small tumbler.—A. H. Carrington, Trenton, N. J.
Holder for Household Ice Pick
An ice pick is often a source of danger, if left lying about the home, and should be kept at a place convenient to the ice box, where it will not be likely to cause injury. The small bracket on which the ends of the roller curtain are supported is a satisfactory holder for the pick. It may be fastened to the wall with nails, or screws, so that the pick may be suspended in the center hole.—Robert J. Donnelly, Cincinnati, Ohio.