These household tips from an 1895 newspaper range from unpleasant-sounding to puzzling to downright dangerous, and serve as a good reminder that some things really are best left in the past.
* Did you ever think of the danger that may come through the innocent habit of reading library books? They are universal property, and the hand that has turned the leaves just before you may be a vehicle for contamination of any kind. Inhale a disinfectant and expose the books to one before use.
* Ammonia vapor is said to be the best disinfectant for use in cases of cholera and diphtheria. It will free a room from germs in two hours.
* Clammy hands may be improved by washing in very hot water and, when thoroughly dried, dusting with fuller's earth. A sprinkling of ordinary starch, powdered and scented with verbena or sandalwood, in the gloves will also help do away with the unpleasant feeling.
* To repair a damaged mirror, pour upon a sheet of tinfoil about three drams of mercury to the square foot of foil. Rub smartly with a piece of buckskin until the foil becomes brilliant. Lay the glass upon a flat table face downward. Place the foil upon the damaged portion of the glass, lay a sheet of paper over the foil and place it upon a block of wood or a piece of marble with a perfectly flat surface; put upon it sufficient weight to press it down tightly; let it remain in this position a few hours. The foil will adhere to the glass.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.