What dangerous ingredient was used in matches before the invention of the safety match?
- Sulfur
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Charcoal
Correct Answer: Phosphorus
Correct Answer Explanation: Before the invention of the safety match, matches used white phosphorus, a highly toxic and flammable substance. It was dangerous to handle and posed a serious fire hazard. The discovery of sesqui-sulphide of phosphorus in the late 19th century led to the creation of the safe and reliable safety match we use today.
What material was commonly used for making high-quality paper in the early 20th century?
- Wood pulp
- Bamboo
- Linen and cotton rags
- Straw
Correct Answer: Linen and cotton rags
Correct Answer Explanation: High-quality paper in the early 20th century was primarily made from linen and cotton rags, highlighting the importance of recycling and the value placed on these materials in the past. This practice demonstrates how everyday objects were interconnected with other industries and the resourcefulness of people in the early 20th century.
What invention revolutionized the printing industry by automating the process of setting type?
- The printing press
- The typewriter
- The linotype and monotype machines
- The rotary press
Correct Answer: The linotype and monotype machines
Correct Answer Explanation: The linotype and monotype machines, invented in the late 19th century, revolutionized the printing industry by automating the process of setting type. This allowed for faster and more efficient production of printed materials, contributing to the spread of knowledge and communication.
What material was crucial for the production of artificial silk (rayon)?
- Cotton
- Silkworms
- Wood pulp
- Flax
Correct Answer: Wood pulp
Correct Answer Explanation: The development of artificial silk (rayon) in the early 20th century provided an alternative to natural silk, offering a more affordable and readily available option. Artificial silk was made from wood pulp, demonstrating how the manufacturing process could utilize different raw materials to meet the needs of society.
What crucial component of a watch regulates the release of energy from the mainspring?
- The balance wheel
- The escapement mechanism
- The mainspring itself
- The winding stem
Correct Answer: The escapement mechanism
Correct Answer Explanation: The escapement mechanism is a vital component of a watch that controls the flow of energy from the mainspring, allowing for precise and consistent timekeeping. This intricate mechanism exemplifies the complex and ingenious design that goes into creating even seemingly simple objects.
What was the estimated daily match consumption per person in the United States in the early 20th century?
- One match
- Five matches
- Seven matches
- Ten matches
Correct Answer: Seven matches
Correct Answer Explanation: According to “Makers of Many Things,” each person in the United States used an average of seven matches per day, totaling hundreds of millions of matches consumed daily. This statistic underscores the widespread use of matches as a common household item, illustrating the impact of industrial production on everyday life.
What material is typically used to cover the hooked wires in carding machines, which align fibers in cotton, wool, and other materials?
- Leather
- Canvas
- Metal mesh
- Plastic
Correct Answer: Canvas
Correct Answer Explanation: Card clothing, a crucial element in textile production, is made of a canvas material covered with hooked wires. These machines align fibers in cotton, wool, and other materials, preparing them for further processing. This detail showcases the specific tools and techniques used in different industries to transform raw materials into finished products.
What type of specialized machines, powered by electricity, allowed for the mass production of shoes in the early 20th century?
- Sewing machines
- Cutting machines
- Lasting machines
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The transition from individual shoemakers to large factories using specialized machines marked a significant shift in shoemaking. These machines, including sewing machines, cutting machines, and lasting machines, enabled the mass production of shoes, making them more affordable and accessible to a wider range of people.
What type of mulberry leaves are considered the best for feeding silkworms?
- White mulberry leaves
- Black mulberry leaves
- Red mulberry leaves
- All of the above
Correct Answer: White mulberry leaves
Correct Answer Explanation: Silkworms are particularly fond of the leaves of the white mulberry tree, making it a crucial element in the production of silk. This highlights how specific agricultural practices and natural resources are essential for certain industries.
How many yards of silk can be obtained from a single silkworm cocoon?
- 100 to 200 yards
- 500 to 1,000 yards
- 3,000 to 4,000 yards
- 5,000 to 6,000 yards
Correct Answer: 3,000 to 4,000 yards
Correct Answer Explanation: A single silkworm cocoon can contain 3,000 to 4,000 yards of silk, showcasing the remarkable productivity of these tiny creatures. This detail reveals the intricacies of silk production and the meticulous work involved in transforming cocoons into usable fiber.
How many jewels are typically found in a full-jeweled watch?
- 5
- 10
- 15
- 23
Correct Answer: 23
Correct Answer Explanation: A full-jeweled watch contains 23 jewels, which are primarily made from rubies, sapphires, and diamonds. These jewels reduce friction and wear on the pivots of moving parts, ensuring smooth and accurate timekeeping. This highlights how even seemingly insignificant components play crucial roles in the functionality and longevity of a watch.
How many different parts are typically found in a shoe?
- 10
- 20
- 30
- 44
Correct Answer: 44
Correct Answer Explanation: A typical shoe contains 44 different parts, including uppers, soles, linings, and trimmings. This detail underscores the complexity of shoemaking, requiring a range of skills and materials to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing footwear.
How much did the factory that first manufactured “dollar watches” produce per day?
- 5,000 watches
- 10,000 watches
- 15,000 watches
- 20,000 watches
Correct Answer: 15,000 watches
Correct Answer Explanation: The factory that first manufactured “dollar watches” could produce 15,000 watches per day. This demonstrates the scale of production in the early 20th century and how advancements in manufacturing allowed for the creation of affordable products.
What is the approximate weight of a typical cotton bale?
- 100 to 200 pounds
- 200 to 300 pounds
- 400 to 500 pounds
- 600 to 700 pounds
Correct Answer: 400 to 500 pounds
Correct Answer Explanation: A cotton bale typically weighs between 400 and 500 pounds. This statistic reflects the scale of cotton production and the amount of raw material required for the textile industry.
What is the process of heating and slowly cooling metals to soften them and make them more workable called?
- Tempering
- Forging
- Casting
- Annealing
Correct Answer: Annealing
Correct Answer Explanation: Annealing is a process of heating and slowly cooling metals to soften them and make them more workable. This technique is essential in many industries, including metalworking and manufacturing, to enhance the properties of metals and facilitate further processing.
What is the term for the cylinder covered with wire mesh used in papermaking to create patterns or watermarks?
- Dandy
- Sizing
- Filler
- Pulp
Correct Answer: Dandy
Correct Answer Explanation: The dandy is a cylinder covered with wire mesh used in papermaking to create patterns or watermarks. This specialized tool allows for the creation of unique and decorative features on paper, demonstrating the intricate techniques involved in paper production.
What is the process of thickening a liquid, such as rubber latex, by adding an acid or other substance called?
- Coagulation
- Vulcanization
- Polymerization
- Extraction
Correct Answer: Coagulation
Correct Answer Explanation: Coagulation is the process of thickening a liquid, such as rubber latex, by adding an acid or other substance. This process is crucial in rubber manufacturing, transforming liquid latex into a solid rubber compound that can be further processed into various products.
What is the term for the partially spun cotton fibers prepared for spinning into yarn?
- Sliver
- Roving
- Warp
- Weft
Correct Answer: Roving
Correct Answer Explanation: Roving refers to partially spun cotton fibers that have been prepared for spinning into yarn. This intermediate stage in cotton processing demonstrates the sequential steps involved in transforming raw materials into finished products.
What is the substance added to paper pulp to improve its resistance to ink absorption called?
- Sizing
- Filler
- Bleach
- Dye
Correct Answer: Sizing
Correct Answer Explanation: Sizing is a substance, such as glue or rosin, added to paper pulp to improve its resistance to ink absorption. This process is essential for creating paper suitable for writing, printing, and other applications.
What is the term for the long threads running lengthwise in a woven fabric?
- Weft
- Warp
- Sliver
- Roving
Correct Answer: Warp
Correct Answer Explanation: The warp threads are the long threads that run lengthwise in a woven fabric, providing the foundation for the fabric’s structure. Understanding these terms is essential for understanding the basic principles of weaving and textile production.
What is the term for the narrow strip of leather sewn around the upper of a shoe to attach the outer sole?
- Welt
- Last
- Sole
- Upper
Correct Answer: Welt
Correct Answer Explanation: A welt is a narrow strip of leather sewn around the upper of a shoe to attach the outer sole. This detail showcases the specific construction methods used in shoemaking, demonstrating the craftsmanship involved in creating a durable and well-constructed shoe.
How many different operations could a single group of watchmaking machines perform on a watch plate?
- 50
- 100
- 142
- 200
Correct Answer: 142
Correct Answer Explanation: A single group of watch-making machines could perform 142 different operations on a watch plate, showcasing the precision and efficiency of industrial processes in watchmaking. This detail highlights how specialized machines revolutionized the production of watches, allowing for the creation of complex and durable timepieces on a larger scale.
What is the term for unfinished pottery that has been fired once and is ready for glazing?
- Glaze
- Greenware
- Biscuit
- Clay
Correct Answer: Biscuit
Correct Answer Explanation: Biscuit refers to unfinished pottery that has been fired once and is ready for glazing. This process, known as “bisque firing,” removes moisture and prepares the pottery for the application of glaze. This detail showcases the different stages involved in pottery making, from the initial shaping of clay to the final firing and glazing.
How many different kinds of pencils did one factory in the United States manufacture in the early 20th century?
- 100
- 300
- 600
- 900
Correct Answer: 600
Correct Answer Explanation: One factory in the United States manufactured over 600 kinds of pencils, enough to stretch three times across the continent if laid end to end. This statistic highlights the variety of products available and the scale of production in the early 20th century.
What is the term for the substance added to paper pulp to fill pores and improve smoothness?
- Sizing
- Filler
- Bleach
- Dye
Correct Answer: Filler
Correct Answer Explanation: Filler is a substance, such as kaolin, added to paper pulp to fill pores and improve smoothness. This detail demonstrates how different additives are used in papermaking to achieve specific properties and enhance the quality of the final product.
How much weight could one pound of silk absorb in metallic salts to increase its weight and apparent thickness?
- 1 to 2 pounds
- 2 to 3 pounds
- 3 to 4 pounds
- 4 to 5 pounds
Correct Answer: 2 to 3 pounds
Correct Answer Explanation: One pound of silk could absorb 2 to 3 pounds of metallic salts to increase its weight and apparent thickness. This practice, known as silk weighting, was often used to deceive buyers and make the silk appear thicker and heavier. The book cautions against this practice, highlighting its potential negative impact on the quality and durability of the silk.
What type of specialized machines were used in cotton mills to process cotton into yarn and cloth?
- Bale-breakers
- Carding machines
- Drawing frames
- Spinning frames
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The cotton industry employed a variety of specialized machines, including bale-breakers, carding machines, drawing frames, and spinning frames, to process cotton into yarn and cloth. These machines exemplify the use of technology and innovation in textile manufacturing, demonstrating the intricate processes involved in transforming raw materials into finished products.
What is the term for the hanging frames in a loom with threads or wires drawn through them to control the raising and lowering of warp threads?
- Harnesses
- Shuttles
- Weft
- Warp
Correct Answer: Harnesses
Correct Answer Explanation: Harnesses are hanging frames in a loom with threads or wires drawn through them to control the raising and lowering of warp threads. This mechanism allows for the creation of intricate patterns in woven fabrics, showcasing the ingenuity of textile production.
What is the term for the milky juice of rubber trees and other plants?
- Latex
- Sap
- Resin
- Gum
Correct Answer: Latex
Correct Answer Explanation: Latex is the milky juice of rubber trees and other plants. It is a crucial raw material in the rubber industry, transformed through various processes into a wide range of products.
What is the process of treating animal hides with tannins to transform them into durable and supple leather called?
- Tanning
- Dyeing
- Bleaching
- Drying
Correct Answer: Tanning
Correct Answer Explanation: Tanning is the process of treating animal hides with tannins, which are natural substances found in tree bark and other plant materials. This process transforms hides into durable and supple leather, suitable for use in shoes, belts, and other products.
What percentage of the world’s rubber production came from the Amazon River valley in the early 20th century?
- 10%
- 25%
- 50%
- 75%
Correct Answer: 50%
Correct Answer Explanation: Over half of the world’s rubber production came from the Amazon River valley, demonstrating the importance of this region as a major source of rubber. This statistic showcases the global nature of resource extraction and the impact of industrialization on different parts of the world.
What is the process of removing excess water from rubber latex called?
- Coagulation
- Vulcanization
- Polymerization
- Drying
Correct Answer: Coagulation
Correct Answer Explanation: Coagulation is the process of thickening rubber latex by adding an acid or other substance, which removes excess water from the latex. This step is crucial for transforming liquid latex into a solid rubber compound.
How many workers could a single rubber plantation in Sumatra employ in the early 20th century?
- 1,000
- 5,000
- 10,000
- 14,000
Correct Answer: 14,000
Correct Answer Explanation: A rubber plantation in Sumatra could employ as many as 14,000 workers, demonstrating the large-scale labor force involved in rubber production. This detail highlights the social and economic impacts of industrial agriculture, including the creation of jobs and the development of plantation communities.
What is the term for the substance used to create precise shapes and sizes of components in various industries, such as shoemaking, pen making, and paper production?
- Dies
- Molds
- Stamps
- Templates
Correct Answer: Dies
Correct Answer Explanation: Dies are used in various industries to create precise shapes and sizes of components, enabling mass production. This process allows for the creation of uniform parts with high precision, contributing to the efficiency and quality of manufactured goods.
What is the term for the material used in pottery to create a wide range of objects, from utilitarian dishes to decorative sculptures?
- Clay
- Stone
- Glass
- Metal
Correct Answer: Clay
Correct Answer Explanation: Clay is a versatile material used in pottery to create a wide range of objects. This detail highlights the diversity of products made from clay and the long history of pottery-making as a craft and industry.
What is the term for the substance added to paper pulp to improve its smoothness and prevent ink from feathering?
- Sizing
- Filler
- Bleach
- Dye
Correct Answer: Filler
Correct Answer Explanation: Filler is a substance added to paper pulp to fill pores and improve smoothness. This process enhances the quality of the paper, making it more suitable for writing, printing, and other applications.
How much could a colony of silkworms from a quarter-ounce of eggs consume in mulberry leaves per day?
- 5 pounds
- 10 pounds
- 20 pounds
- 50 pounds
Correct Answer: 50 pounds
Correct Answer Explanation: A colony of silkworms from a quarter-ounce of eggs could consume up to 50 pounds of mulberry leaves per day, demonstrating the impressive appetite of these creatures. This detail highlights the importance of feeding silkworms adequately to ensure the production of high-quality silk.
What is the term for the process of twisting fibers into yarn?
- Spinning
- Weaving
- Knitting
- Carding
Correct Answer: Spinning
Correct Answer Explanation: Spinning is the process of twisting fibers into yarn. This step in textile production is crucial for transforming loose fibers into a continuous and strong thread that can be woven or knitted into fabric.
How long can a silkworm grow to in a month?
- 1 inch
- 2 inches
- 3 inches
- 4 inches
Correct Answer: 3 inches
Correct Answer Explanation: A silkworm can grow to a length of three inches or more in about a month, demonstrating the rapid growth rate of these caterpillars. This detail highlights the importance of proper feeding and care for silkworms to ensure their healthy development and the production of quality cocoons.
What is the term for the process of removing excess water from paper pulp?
- Sizing
- Filling
- Pressing
- Drying
Correct Answer: Pressing
Correct Answer Explanation: Pressing is the process of removing excess water from paper pulp, often done using rollers or other mechanical methods. This step is essential for creating a sheet of paper with the desired thickness and consistency.