American Woman’s Home: Or, Principles of Domestic Science Trivia Quiz Questions and Answers

What percentage of a full-grown man’s weight is made up of oxygen?

  • 50%
  • 60%
  • 70%
  • 80%

Correct Answer: 70%

Correct Answer Explanation: According to the book, a full-grown man weighing 154 pounds consists of 111 pounds of oxygen.

How many air cells are there in the human lungs?

  • 10 million
  • 18 million
  • 28 million
  • 38 million

Correct Answer: 18 million

Correct Answer Explanation: The text specifically states that the human body has 18 million air cells in the lungs.

According to the authors, what is the most efficient way to warm a room?

  • A wood-burning stove
  • A coal-burning fireplace
  • An open fireplace
  • A gas-fueled heater

Correct Answer: An open fireplace

Correct Answer Explanation: The book states that open fireplaces are the most efficient way to warm a room.

What is the recommended amount of earth needed per week for a six-person household using an earth-closet system?

  • 10 pounds
  • 50 pounds
  • 100 pounds
  • 200 pounds

Correct Answer: 100 pounds

Correct Answer Explanation: The book states that an earth-closet system requires about one hundredweight of earth per week for six people. A hundredweight is equal to 100 pounds.

What is the average mortality rate in areas with polluted air, according to the book?

  • 11 in 1000
  • 25 in 1000
  • 45 in 1000
  • 75 in 1000

Correct Answer: 45 in 1000

Correct Answer Explanation: The book notes that the average mortality rate in pure air is 11 in 1000, compared to 45 in 1000 in areas with polluted air.

What is the term used to describe a tiny, self-contained unit of living matter that forms the basic structure of all plants and animals?

  • Cell
  • Capillary
  • Diaphragm
  • Stamen

Correct Answer: Cell

Correct Answer Explanation: A cell is a fundamental building block of all living organisms.

According to the authors, what is a culinary delicacy?

  • A fresh, ripe peach
  • A well-roasted potato
  • A well-seasoned fish
  • A thick, juicy steak

Correct Answer: A well-roasted potato

Correct Answer Explanation: The text specifically notes that a good roasted potato is a culinary delicacy.

What is the term used to describe wave-like muscle contractions that propel food through the digestive tract?

  • Effluvium
  • Fermentation
  • Peristalsis
  • Zymotic disease

Correct Answer: Peristalsis

Correct Answer Explanation: Peristalsis is the rhythmic muscular movement that pushes food through the digestive system.

The book emphasizes the importance of fresh air for good health. What specific disease does the book mention as being caused by poor ventilation?

  • Measles
  • Scurvy
  • Consumption
  • Influenza

Correct Answer: Consumption

Correct Answer Explanation: The book specifically mentions that poor ventilation can lead to various health problems, including scrofula, consumption, and headaches. Consumption is a term used for tuberculosis.

Which of the following foods is recommended by the authors as part of a healthy diet?

  • Rich, sugary desserts
  • Large amounts of red meat
  • Whole grains
  • Heavily processed foods

Correct Answer: Whole grains

Correct Answer Explanation: The book advocates for a simpler diet with a greater emphasis on whole grains and fruits.

What is the name of the male reproductive part of a flower that produces pollen?

  • Stigma
  • Stamen
  • Pistil
  • Ovary

Correct Answer: Stamen

Correct Answer Explanation: The stamen is the male reproductive part of a flower, and it contains the anther, which produces pollen.

What is the name of the disease that primarily affects the lymph nodes, often causing swelling and inflammation?

  • Scurvy
  • Scrofula
  • Miasma
  • Zymotic disease

Correct Answer: Scrofula

Correct Answer Explanation: Scrofula is a disease that affects the lymph nodes, leading to swelling and inflammation.

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a harmful stimulant in the book?

  • Alcohol
  • Opium
  • Tobacco
  • Caffeine

Correct Answer: Caffeine

Correct Answer Explanation: The book offers a strong critique of the use of alcohol, opium, and tobacco as harmful stimulants. Caffeine is not mentioned in this context.

What is the term used to describe the poisonous vapor arising from decaying organic matter?

  • Effluvium
  • Fermentation
  • Miasma
  • Zymotic disease

Correct Answer: Miasma

Correct Answer Explanation: Miasma refers to a noxious vapor that was believed to be a source of disease in the past.

According to the book, what can happen if a person over-exerts their brain and nerves?

  • Loss of appetite
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Mental distress and disease
  • Increased susceptibility to illness

Correct Answer: Mental distress and disease

Correct Answer Explanation: The text notes that over-exertion of the brain and nerves can lead to mental distress and disease.

Which of the following is NOT recommended by the book as a method of disciplining children?

  • Consistent rules
  • Rewards for good behavior
  • Physical punishment
  • Gentle guidance

Correct Answer: Physical punishment

Correct Answer Explanation: The book emphasizes the importance of a steady and consistent approach to discipline, advocating for the use of rewards over punishment and the importance of maintaining a calm and gentle tone.

According to the authors, what is the most effective way to control children?

  • Strict discipline
  • Fear of punishment
  • The use of rewards
  • Ignoring their behavior

Correct Answer: The use of rewards

Correct Answer Explanation: The book advocates for using rewards to encourage desired behavior in children.

What is the term used to describe a disease caused by microorganisms or their products, often transmitted through contaminated air or water?

  • Effluvium
  • Fermentation
  • Miasma
  • Zymotic disease

Correct Answer: Zymotic disease

Correct Answer Explanation: Zymotic diseases are infectious diseases that were historically attributed to the presence of miasma, but are now understood to be caused by microorganisms.

The book provides a detailed plan for an economical and functional cottage. What is the primary focus of this design?

  • Maximizing space and efficiency
  • Luxurious living
  • Showcasing wealth
  • Impressing neighbors

Correct Answer: Maximizing space and efficiency

Correct Answer Explanation: The book emphasizes the importance of creating a functional and economical home that prioritizes space efficiency.

What is the term used to describe a sheet of muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity, playing a vital role in breathing?

  • Cell
  • Capillary
  • Diaphragm
  • Stamen

Correct Answer: Diaphragm

Correct Answer Explanation: The diaphragm is a key muscle in respiration, contracting and relaxing to help draw air into the lungs.

According to the book, what is the most effective way to deodorize and sanitize waste?

  • Using strong chemicals
  • Burning the waste
  • Using dry, sifted earth
  • Leaving it to decompose naturally

Correct Answer: Using dry, sifted earth

Correct Answer Explanation: The book recommends using dry, sifted earth as a natural method to absorb moisture and deodorize waste.

What is the term used to describe the transfer of heat through a substance, from one particle to another?

  • Conduction
  • Convection
  • Fermentation
  • Peristalsis

Correct Answer: Conduction

Correct Answer Explanation: Conduction is the direct transfer of heat energy through contact between molecules.

What is the term used to describe the transfer of heat through a fluid, such as air or water, by the movement of heated particles?

  • Conduction
  • Convection
  • Fermentation
  • Peristalsis

Correct Answer: Convection

Correct Answer Explanation: Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids, such as air currents or water currents.

What is the term used to describe the noxious or foul-smelling vapor given off from decaying matter?

  • Effluvium
  • Fermentation
  • Miasma
  • Zymotic disease

Correct Answer: Effluvium

Correct Answer Explanation: Effluvium is a foul-smelling vapor or gas that often emanates from decaying organic matter.

Which of the following is a benefit of early rising, according to the book?

  • Improved digestion
  • Increased energy levels
  • Better mental clarity
  • All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: The book highlights various benefits of early rising, including improved digestion, increased energy levels, and better mental clarity.

What is the term used to describe muscle movement that is not under conscious control?

  • Involuntary motion
  • Voluntary motion
  • Peristalsis
  • Effluvium

Correct Answer: Involuntary motion

Correct Answer Explanation: Involuntary motion refers to muscle movements that are not consciously controlled, such as the beating of the heart or the contraction of the digestive system.

Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the book as a contributing factor to dental problems?

  • Overuse of hot drinks
  • Excessive sugar consumption
  • Tight clothing
  • Lack of proper brushing

Correct Answer: Lack of proper brushing

Correct Answer Explanation: The book mentions that the use of hot drinks, especially tea and coffee, can contribute to dental problems. It doesn’t explicitly mention the importance of brushing.

What is the term used to describe the network of vessels that collect and transport lymph fluid, containing white blood cells and other immune components?

  • Capillaries
  • Lymphatics
  • Miasma
  • Stamen

Correct Answer: Lymphatics

Correct Answer Explanation: The lymphatic system is a critical part of the body’s immune defense, transporting lymph fluid and immune cells.

Which of the following is NOT a key finding of the book?

  • The importance of women’s roles as homemakers and educators.
  • The importance of ventilation and fresh air.
  • The need for a more humane and respectful approach to employer-employee relationships.
  • The importance of physical punishment for children.

Correct Answer: The importance of physical punishment for children.

Correct Answer Explanation: The book emphasizes the importance of a gentle and consistent approach to discipline, advocating for rewards over punishment.

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a contributing factor to over-exertion of the brain and nerves?

  • Lack of sleep
  • Excessive work
  • Worry and anxiety
  • Physical inactivity

Correct Answer: Physical inactivity

Correct Answer Explanation: The text focuses on mental overexertion from factors like lack of sleep, excessive work, and worry and anxiety.

According to the book, what is a key factor in the success of a dairy farm?

  • A large amount of land
  • A skilled veterinarian
  • A sufficient investment
  • A family of experienced dairy farmers

Correct Answer: A sufficient investment

Correct Answer Explanation: The book highlights that a well-managed dairy farm with a sufficient investment can be profitable.

Which of the following is NOT an example cited in the book to illustrate a point?

  • The Black Hole of Calcutta
  • The Albany Orphan Asylum
  • Alexis St. Martin
  • The American Civil War

Correct Answer: The American Civil War

Correct Answer Explanation: The book uses examples like the Black Hole of Calcutta, the Albany Orphan Asylum, and Alexis St. Martin to illustrate specific concepts related to health, sanitation, and domestic life.

According to the book, what is the combined length of the body’s perspiration tubes?

  • 14 miles
  • 28 miles
  • 42 miles
  • 56 miles

Correct Answer: 28 miles

Correct Answer Explanation: The book states that the combined length of the body’s perspiration tubes is 28 miles.

What is the term used to describe the tip of the female reproductive part of a flower where pollen is received?

  • Stigma
  • Stamen
  • Pistil
  • Ovary

Correct Answer: Stigma

Correct Answer Explanation: The stigma is the receptive tip of the female reproductive part of a flower, where pollen grains land.

What is the term used to describe the process in which organic matter is broken down by microorganisms, resulting in the production of gas and other by-products?

  • Effluvium
  • Fermentation
  • Miasma
  • Zymotic disease

Correct Answer: Fermentation

Correct Answer Explanation: Fermentation is a natural process where microorganisms break down organic materials like sugars, releasing gases and by-products.

What is the average cost to build a church, schoolhouse, and dwelling described in Chapter XXXVIII of the book?

  • $500
  • $1200
  • $2500
  • $5000

Correct Answer: $1200

Correct Answer Explanation: The book states that the average cost to build the church, schoolhouse, and dwelling described in Chapter XXXVIII is $1200.

The authors advocate for a more rational and scientific approach to domestic life. What specific event in the 19th century influenced this approach?

  • The American Revolution
  • The Industrial Revolution
  • The Civil War
  • The Gold Rush

Correct Answer: The Industrial Revolution

Correct Answer Explanation: The Industrial Revolution, with its emphasis on scientific advancements and technological innovation, significantly influenced the authors’ call for a more rational and scientific approach to home management.

How many pounds of blood does the heart pump through the lungs every hour?

  • 14 pounds
  • 28 pounds
  • 42 pounds
  • 56 pounds

Correct Answer: 28 pounds

Correct Answer Explanation: The book states that the heart pumps 28 pounds of blood through the lungs every hour.

Which of the following is NOT a contributing factor to the increasing prominence of the middle class in 19th-century America?

  • The Industrial Revolution
  • The Civil War
  • The rise of urbanization
  • The growth of the agricultural sector

Correct Answer: The growth of the agricultural sector

Correct Answer Explanation: The Industrial Revolution, the Civil War, and urbanization all contributed to the rise of the middle class in 19th-century America. The agricultural sector, while still important, was becoming less dominant.

What is the name of the gas produced by the respiration of animals and the burning of fuels?

  • Oxygen
  • Carbonic acid
  • Nitrogen
  • Miasma

Correct Answer: Carbonic acid

Correct Answer Explanation: Carbonic acid, also known as carbon dioxide, is a product of respiration and combustion, and it can be toxic in high concentrations.

According to the book, what is the most important aspect of managing servants?

  • Being strict and demanding
  • Paying them a fair wage
  • Providing good working conditions
  • Keeping them busy at all times

Correct Answer: Providing good working conditions

Correct Answer Explanation: The book urges mistresses to view their role as teachers, emphasizing the importance of patience, understanding, and providing good working conditions for their servants.

What is the term used to describe muscles that bend a joint?

  • Flexors
  • Extensors
  • Stamen
  • Zymotic disease

Correct Answer: Flexors

Correct Answer Explanation: Flexors are muscles that contract to bend a joint, while extensors straighten a joint.

What is the term used to describe muscles that straighten a joint?

  • Flexors
  • Extensors
  • Stamen
  • Zymotic disease

Correct Answer: Extensors

Correct Answer Explanation: Extensors are muscles that contract to straighten a joint, while flexors bend a joint.

What is the term used to describe a small, rounded growth that can form in various tissues, particularly in the lungs?

  • Effluvium
  • Fermentation
  • Tubercle
  • Zymotic disease

Correct Answer: Tubercle

Correct Answer Explanation: A tubercle is a small, rounded nodule that can develop in various tissues, particularly in the lungs in the case of tuberculosis.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a healthy and well-balanced diet for children, according to the book?

  • Plenty of fruits and vegetables
  • Sufficient amounts of protein
  • Large quantities of sweets and sugary snacks
  • Adequate amounts of whole grains

Correct Answer: Large quantities of sweets and sugary snacks

Correct Answer Explanation: The book emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet for children, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, protein, and whole grains.

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a reason why it is important to protect children from exposure to alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful substances?

  • It can lead to addiction
  • It can damage their health
  • It can hinder their intellectual development
  • It can cause them to become rebellious and unruly

Correct Answer: It can cause them to become rebellious and unruly

Correct Answer Explanation: The book emphasizes the negative health and developmental impacts of exposing children to alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful substances. It doesn’t specifically mention rebellion as a consequence.

The authors advocate for a specific approach to decorating a home. What is the emphasis of this approach?

  • Elegance and grandeur
  • Minimalism and functionality
  • Tastefulness and economy
  • Impressing neighbors and visitors

Correct Answer: Tastefulness and economy

Correct Answer Explanation: Beecher and Stowe encourage a tasteful and economical approach to decoration, emphasizing the use of natural materials, simple furniture, and affordable works of art.

What is the term used to describe a colorless, odorless gas that makes up about 78% of the Earth’s atmosphere and is an essential component of proteins?

  • Oxygen
  • Nitrogen
  • Carbonic acid
  • Miasma

Correct Answer: Nitrogen

Correct Answer Explanation: Nitrogen is a vital component of the Earth’s atmosphere and plays a crucial role in the formation of proteins.

What is the term used to describe a colorless, odorless gas that makes up about 21% of the Earth’s atmosphere and is essential for respiration and combustion?

  • Oxygen
  • Nitrogen
  • Carbonic acid
  • Miasma

Correct Answer: Oxygen

Correct Answer Explanation: Oxygen is essential for respiration, the process by which living organisms obtain energy from food.

According to the book, what is the most dangerous aspect of giving infants and children excessive amounts of medicine?

  • It can lead to addiction
  • It can suppress their immune system
  • It can cause them to become lethargic
  • It can interfere with their natural growth and development

Correct Answer: It can interfere with their natural growth and development

Correct Answer Explanation: The book emphasizes the potential risks of overmedicating infants and children, including interference with their natural growth and development.

What is the term used to describe the slimy substance secreted by the mucous membranes lining the body’s internal cavities?

  • Effluvium
  • Fermentation
  • Mucus
  • Zymotic disease

Correct Answer: Mucus

Correct Answer Explanation: Mucus is a sticky substance produced by mucous membranes to protect and lubricate various surfaces within the body.

Which of the following is NOT a reason why the authors believe that the cultivation of flowers and fruits is a rewarding and educational activity for children?

  • It teaches them about nature
  • It encourages creativity and patience
  • It promotes physical activity
  • It helps them learn about the importance of care and responsibility

Correct Answer: It promotes physical activity

Correct Answer Explanation: The book highlights the educational and developmental benefits of gardening, emphasizing its connection to nature, creativity, patience, and responsibility.

What is the term used to describe the tiny blood vessels that connect arteries and veins, allowing for the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between blood and tissues?

  • Cell
  • Capillary
  • Diaphragm
  • Stamen

Correct Answer: Capillary

Correct Answer Explanation: Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels in the body and play a vital role in transporting substances between blood and tissues.

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a contributing factor to the changing social dynamics of 19th-century America?

  • The Industrial Revolution
  • The Civil War
  • The rise of urbanization
  • The spread of democracy

Correct Answer: The spread of democracy

Correct Answer Explanation: While democracy was a significant factor in American society, the Industrial Revolution, Civil War, and urbanization played a more direct role in shaping the social dynamics of the 19th century.

Which of the following is NOT an example of a “wise woman” as described in the book?

  • A woman who manages her household efficiently
  • A woman who educates her children
  • A woman who works outside the home
  • A woman who provides for her family’s needs

Correct Answer: A woman who works outside the home

Correct Answer Explanation: The book emphasizes the importance of women’s roles in homemaking and education. While it acknowledges women working outside the home, it primarily focuses on their domestic responsibilities.

According to the book, what is the most important aspect of a healthy home?

  • Beautiful decor
  • A large yard
  • Adequate ventilation
  • A well-stocked pantry

Correct Answer: Adequate ventilation

Correct Answer Explanation: The book emphasizes the importance of ventilation and fresh air for a healthy home, citing the dangers of poor air quality.

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Jessmyn Solana

Jessmyn Solana is the Digital Marketing Manager of Interact, a place for creating beautiful and engaging quizzes that generate email leads. She is a marketing enthusiast and storyteller. Outside of Interact Jessmyn loves exploring new places, eating all the local foods, and spending time with her favorite people (especially her dog).

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