Delving into quaint washing machines, we’re transported to a bygone period of handbook labor, primitive equipment, and the beginning of the fashionable laundry trade.
From the early mechanical washers to the handbook scrubbing tubs, quaint washing machines performed a pivotal position in shaping family chores and labor distribution.
Early Historical past of Previous Usual Washing Machines
The primary washing machines have been invented within the late 18th century, revolutionizing the best way folks did their laundry. These early machines have been typically cumbersome and labor-intensive, counting on handbook energy to agitate and rinse garments. Nonetheless, they marked the start of an extended journey in the direction of extra environment friendly and automatic laundry programs.
The evolution of washing machines from the early days was carefully tied to the event of mechanical power. By harnessing energy from water, gravity, and different sources, inventors created machines that might carry out numerous duties, comparable to washing, rinsing, and spinning garments. This shift in the direction of mechanization marked a big turning level within the historical past of washing machines.
Early Washing Machine Designs
A number of the earliest washing machines employed a “washing board” design, the place garments have been scrubbed towards a stationary floor utilizing a sequence of rollers and levers. This design was easy and straightforward to function however required a big quantity of handbook labor to clean and rinse garments. As expertise improved, extra superior machines have been developed, that includes rotating drums, water jets, and different progressive options.
The First Rotary Washing Machine
Within the late 18th century, inventor James King patented the primary rotary washer. This machine used a rotating drum to agitate garments, making the method extra environment friendly and fewer labor-intensive. The rotary design turned a typical function in lots of washing machines and paved the best way for additional improvements in laundry expertise.
Early Washing Machine Improvements
One notable innovation in early washing machines was the introduction of sizzling water jets for laundry and rinsing garments. This function, developed by James King’s successor, Thomas Jennings, considerably improved the effectiveness and effectivity of washing machines. Later, enhancements to the rotary design and the introduction {of electrical} motors additional elevated the capabilities and user-friendliness of washing machines.
- The primary washing machines used handbook energy to agitate and rinse garments.
- The introduction of mechanical power revolutionized washer design and performance.
- Rotary washing machines, comparable to James King’s design, turned a typical function in lots of washing machines.
Water-powered washing machines have been first developed within the late 18th century.
Evolution of Washing Machines
Over time, washing machines have undergone important transformations. From hand-cranked machines to automated washing machines with digital controls, the evolution of washing machines has been marked by enhancements in effectivity, diminished labor, and higher consumer comfort.
From Mechanical to Electrical
The shift from mechanical to electrical washing machines marked a big turning level within the historical past of laundry expertise. Electrical motors elevated the pace and effectivity of washing machines, making the method quicker and extra handy. This transformation paved the best way for the fashionable washing machines of as we speak.
Design Evolution
Within the early twentieth century, washing machines started to function extra superior designs, comparable to front-loading and top-loading machines. These designs provided higher consumer comfort and improved effectivity, permitting customers to clean various kinds of clothes with ease.
Design and Performance of Previous Usual Washing Machines

Quaint washing machines have been a big enchancment over hand washing garments, however they nonetheless required quite a lot of handbook labor and mechanical effort to scrub garments. They have been a vital a part of each day life, particularly through the early twentieth century when electrical energy and equipment have been changing into extra widespread. Nonetheless, their design and performance have been fairly totally different from the fashionable electrical washing machines we use as we speak.
Consumer Interface Variations
One of many principal variations between quaint and fashionable washing machines is the consumer interface. Quaint washing machines required customers to manually function the machine by turning deal with or pedals to show the machine on and off, and to regulate the wash cycle. This was a bodily demanding process that required quite a lot of effort and coordination.
Fashionable washing machines, then again, have digital interfaces that make it simple to function the machine with just some clicks of a button. In addition they have options like timers, temperature management, and a number of wash cycles that make it simple to customise the wash course of.
Handbook and Mechanical Labor
Quaint washing machines used handbook or mechanical labor to scrub garments. This concerned customers manually loading and unloading the garments, including detergent, after which turning the machine on by hand. The machine would then agitate the garments by way of a sequence of gears and pulleys to scrub them.
The method was labor-intensive and required quite a lot of bodily effort, particularly when washing heavy or cumbersome objects. Moreover, the machine typically required handbook intervention to regulate the wash cycle, rinse the garments, and take away extra water.
Mechanisms of Previous Usual Washing Machines
Quaint washing machines had a number of mechanisms that made them work. The most typical kind of mechanism was the crank-and-pinion system, which used a deal with to show a sequence of gears and pulleys to agitate the garments. This mechanism was typically accompanied by a weight-driven system, which used a sequence of weights to show the machine on and off.
The Crank-and-Pinion System
The crank-and-pinion system consisted of a deal with, a set of gears, and a sequence of pulleys. The deal with was turned by the consumer, which in flip turned the gears and pulleys, inflicting the garments to agitate and clear.
The Weight-Pushed System
The load-driven system used a sequence of weights to show the machine on and off. The weights have been hooked up to a sequence of levers that turned a crank, which in flip turned the machine. This method was comparatively easy and required minimal handbook effort.
Different Mechanisms
- Some machines used a rubber belt pushed system, the place a rubber belt related to a crank and turned the gears, inflicting the garments to agitate.
- Others used a chain-driven system, the place a series related to a crank and turned the gears, inflicting the garments to agitate.
Every of those mechanisms had its benefits and drawbacks, however all of them performed a necessary position in making quaint washing machines work. Regardless of their limitations, they have been an necessary step within the growth of contemporary laundry machines.
Water Temperature and Laundry Detergents
Within the quaint washing machines, water temperature performed a vital position within the effectivity and effectiveness of the washing course of. The kind of laundry detergent used was largely depending on the temperature of the water, as totally different detergents have been designed to work greatest in particular temperature ranges. On this part, we’ll discover the significance of water temperature in quaint washing machines and the varieties of laundry detergents used throughout that point.
The Significance of Water Temperature
The temperature of the water utilized in quaint washing machines was a essential consider figuring out the effectiveness of the cleansing course of. Sizzling water was usually used for heavy-duty washing, comparable to cleansing closely dirty garments or bedding. Chilly water, then again, was used for delicates and objects that required mild care. The recent water helped to emulsify and solubilize the dust and stains, making it simpler to take away them from the material. The chilly water, then again, helped to protect the colours and texture of delicate objects.
Sorts of Laundry Detergents
Laundry detergents utilized in quaint washing machines have been typically comprised of pure components comparable to cleaning soap, borax, and washing soda. These detergents have been designed to be extremely efficient in chilly water, as they relied on the surfactant properties of the cleaning soap to take away dust and stains. Some frequent varieties of laundry detergents used throughout that point embody:
- Cleaning soap-based detergents: These detergents used cleaning soap as the first lively ingredient and have been typically comprised of animal fats and lye. They have been extremely efficient in chilly water however might go away a residue on garments.
- Borax-based detergents: These detergents used borax as the first lively ingredient and have been designed for high-temperature washing. They have been significantly efficient at eradicating robust stains and odors.
- Washing soda-based detergents: These detergents used washing soda as the first lively ingredient and have been designed for heavy-duty washing. They have been extremely efficient at eradicating robust stains and odors however may very well be harsh on delicate materials.
Selfmade Laundry Detergents
Up to now, folks typically made their very own laundry detergents at dwelling utilizing pure components. These home made detergents have been typically simpler and gentler on garments than business detergents. Some frequent recipes for home made laundry detergents embody:
- Washing soda and cleaning soap recipe: Combine 1 cup of washing soda with 1/2 cup of cleaning soap and 1 cup of water to create a light detergent for laundry delicate objects.
- Borax and washing soda recipe: Combine 1 cup of borax with 1 cup of washing soda and 1 cup of water to create a strong detergent for laundry closely dirty objects.
“A superb laundry detergent ought to be capable of reduce by way of dust and stains successfully, whereas additionally being mild on garments and the surroundings.”
Influence on Fashionable Society

Quaint washing machines performed a big position in reworking the best way folks reside, work, and work together with each other. By simplifying and mechanizing the method of laundry, these machines had far-reaching results on fashionable society, paving the best way for the event of varied industries and redefining family chores and labor distribution.
Contribution to Fashionable Textile Industries
The introduction of quaint washing machines laid the muse for the expansion of contemporary textile industries. By decreasing the labor concerned in washing and cleansing materials, these machines allowed textile producers to supply bigger portions of clothes, textiles, and different supplies. This, in flip, facilitated the growth of the textile trade, creating new job alternatives and contributing to financial progress. Textile manufacturing turned extra environment friendly, and the standard of materials improved, enabling the mass manufacturing of clothes and different textiles.
- Growth of New Textile Applied sciences: The effectivity gained from quaint washing machines led to the event of recent textile applied sciences, comparable to spinning, weaving, and printing.
- Elevated Manufacturing and Output: With the help of quaint washing machines, textile producers have been in a position to produce bigger portions of clothes and textiles, assembly the rising calls for of the inhabitants.
- Employment Alternatives: The expansion of the textile trade created new job alternatives, offering employment for thousands and thousands of individuals.
Influence on Family Chores and Labor Distribution
Quaint washing machines considerably impacted family chores and labor distribution by decreasing the effort and time required for laundry. Previous to the invention of those machines, laundry was a labor-intensive and time-consuming course of, typically carried out by ladies and kids. The introduction of quaint washing machines allowed family members to allocate their time extra effectively, enabling them to deal with different duties and obligations.
- Shift in Home Obligations: With the help of quaint washing machines, family members might commit extra time to different important duties, comparable to schooling, childcare, and private growth.
- Elevated Leisure Time: The discount in laundry time allowed family members to get pleasure from extra leisure time, enabling them to take part in numerous actions and hobbies.
- Adjustments in Household Dynamics: The provision of quaint washing machines led to adjustments in household dynamics, as family members might allocate their time extra effectively and take part in numerous actions.
Affect on Fashionable Laundry Services
The design of contemporary laundry amenities has been considerably influenced by quaint washing machines. The compact dimension and environment friendly operation of those machines paved the best way for the event of smaller, extra energy-efficient laundry amenities. Right now, laundry amenities are available in numerous varieties, together with standalone machines, built-in laundry programs, and business laundry amenities.
- Compact Designs: Fashionable laundry amenities are designed to be compact and energy-efficient, impressed by the streamlined designs of quaint washing machines.
- Built-in Programs: The mixing of laundry amenities into houses and business areas has turn out to be the norm, with many fashionable amenities that includes superior applied sciences and options.
- Industrial Laundry: The expansion of economic laundry amenities has enabled the environment friendly processing of huge portions of laundry, catering to the calls for of industries, healthcare establishments, and different organizations.
Fashionable Preservation and Restoration
Efforts to protect and restore quaint washing machines are underway to showcase their historic significance. Museums and collectors are working collectively to save lots of these machines from being scrapped and discarded. With their distinctive design and performance, quaint washing machines have turn out to be a subject of curiosity on the earth of historical past and expertise.
The method of restoration includes figuring out the unique parts, changing damaged or worn-out components, and testing the machine to make sure it features correctly. The purpose isn’t solely to protect the machine but additionally to coach folks in regards to the evolution of laundry expertise and the lives of those that used these machines.
Challenges of Restoration
Restoring quaint washing machines comes with its justifiable share of challenges. One of many main issues is discovering appropriate substitute components, as many authentic parts could now not be out there. Moreover, the machines require specialised information and expertise to restore, making it a process that requires experience.
- Figuring out and sourcing appropriate substitute components is a big problem confronted by restorers. Producers could now not produce authentic components, or they might have modified the design over time, making it tough to seek out equal parts.
- Restoring quaint washing machines requires a excessive degree of technical experience. The machines have complicated mechanisms and are comprised of supplies which can be fragile and susceptible to put on and tear.
- Many quaint washing machines are in poor situation, with damaged glass, rusted steel, and worn-out rubber parts. Restorers should rigorously dismantle and clear the machines to evaluate their situation and establish areas that require restore or substitute.
Museums and Collections
A number of museums and collections have showcased quaint washing machines as an exhibit to coach guests about their historical past and significance. These museums present a novel alternative for folks to see and study in regards to the early days of laundry expertise.
Some notable examples embody the Smithsonian Nationwide Museum of American Historical past in Washington D.C., which has an in depth assortment of quaint washing machines and different family home equipment. The museum showcases the event of laundry expertise from the 18th century onwards, offering guests with a complete understanding of the evolution of laundry practices.
One other notable instance is the Worldwide Museum of Laundry Historical past in England, which has an enormous assortment of quaint washing machines and laundry-related artifacts. The museum gives an in depth have a look at the historical past of laundry practices and the event of washing machines from the early nineteenth century to the current day.
Preservation Efforts
Preserving quaint washing machines isn’t solely necessary for historic significance but additionally for the sake of schooling and analysis. Museums, collectors, and restorers are working collectively to doc and protect these machines for future generations.
Conclusion of Preservation and Restoration
Efforts to protect and restore quaint washing machines are ongoing, with many museums and collections showcasing these machines to coach guests about their historical past and significance. The challenges of restoration are important, however the reward is value it – to protect a bit of historical past that displays the ingenuity and creativity of our ancestors and evokes a brand new era of makers and innovators.
Historic Comparability with Different Laundry Strategies
The historical past of laundry methods dates again 1000’s of years, with historic civilizations using numerous strategies to scrub their clothes. From hand-washing to wringing, these methods have been typically labor-intensive and time-consuming. Within the context of washing machines, it is important to match their early designs to different historic laundry strategies to grasp their benefits and drawbacks.
Hand Washing
Hand washing was the first laundry technique for hundreds of years, particularly in historic civilizations comparable to Egypt, Greece, and Rome. This technique concerned soaking garments in water, then scrubbing them by hand to take away dust and stains. Using hand-washing was widespread on account of its simplicity and the shortage of other strategies. Hand washing was typically executed in rivers, lakes, or different our bodies of water, as entry to scrub water sources was important.
- Benefits:
- Disadvantages:
Hand washing was a simple technique that utilized minimal sources, counting on water and handbook labor. This system was particularly appropriate for small hundreds and complex clothes, permitting for delicate therapy.
Hand washing was additionally an eco-friendly technique, because it did not require using sizzling water or harsh chemical substances.
Hand washing was a time-consuming and labor-intensive course of, typically requiring a number of hours of scrubbing and soaking.
This technique was restricted to small hundreds and delicate clothes, making it impractical for giant or closely dirty objects.
Wringing
Wringing, also referred to as the ” wringer” technique, emerged within the Center Ages as a extra environment friendly technique to take away extra water from garments after hand washing. This system concerned utilizing a tool known as a wringer, which squeezed the water out of the garments, leaving them comparatively dry. Wringing was a big enchancment over hand washing, because it saved time and diminished the quantity of water wanted.
- Benefits:
- Disadvantages:
Wringing allowed for quicker drying instances, as extra water was eliminated extra effectively, decreasing the danger of mildew and mildew progress.
This technique additionally required much less water than hand washing, making it extra sustainable and environmentally pleasant.
Wringing was nonetheless a labor-intensive course of, significantly for giant hundreds or closely dirty clothes.
The wringing gadget may very well be costly, making it inaccessible to many households.
Benefits and Disadvantages of Previous Usual Washing Machines
Quaint washing machines, which emerged within the late 18th and early nineteenth centuries, have been a big enchancment over hand washing and wringing. These early machines used handbook or mechanical energy to agitate and rinse garments. They have been typically cumbersome, requiring important house and energy to function.
- Benefits:
- Disadvantages:
Quaint washing machines allowed for quicker and extra environment friendly laundering, particularly for bigger hundreds.
These machines have been outfitted with rotating drums, which diminished the handbook labor required for laundry and wringing.
Quaint washing machines have been typically costly and inaccessible to many households.
These machines have been additionally susceptible to mechanical failures and required common upkeep, which may very well be time-consuming and expensive.
Comparability with Fashionable Laundry Strategies
The trendy laundry trade has come a great distance for the reason that invention of quaint washing machines. Right now’s home equipment are extra energy-efficient, use much less water, and supply a variety of options like automated detergent dispensers and temperature management. Fashionable laundry methods prioritize eco-friendliness and consumer comfort, with many households choosing energy-efficient washer-dryer combos.
Historic Comparability with Different Laundry Strategies

The early washing machines, regardless of their limitations, have been a groundbreaking innovation that simplified laundry processes for a lot of households. By understanding the historical past and evolution of laundry methods, we are able to respect the importance of quaint washing machines and their position in shaping the fashionable laundry trade.
Cultural Significance and Iconic Standing
The quaint washer has turn out to be a nostalgic icon of the previous, symbolizing a bygone period of home chores and handbook labor. Its presence in houses and communities serves as a reminder of the hardships and triumphs of our ancestors. As a cultural artifact, the quaint washer has transcended its authentic operate to turn out to be an emblem of nostalgia, simplicity, and perseverance.
Promoting, Media, and In style Tradition, Quaint washer
Quaint washing machines have been featured in numerous types of promoting, media, and common tradition, typically serving as a nostalgic reminder of the previous. Within the Fifties and 60s, ads for laundry machines usually depicted housewives effortlessly washing garments in fashionable, modern machines. These photos created a way of comfort and modernity, interesting to customers who valued ease and effectivity. Nonetheless, this portrayal additionally glossed over the precise labor concerned in washing garments, perpetuating the parable of the idealized homemaker.
In recent times, quaint washing machines have made appearances in movie, tv, and literature, typically as a logo of nostalgia or as a plot gadget. For instance, within the film “Laundry Day” (2013), a younger protagonist navigates the complexities of life by serving to her mom with laundry, highlighting the significance of home work in our lives. Equally, within the novel “The Secret Lifetime of Bees” by Sue Monk Kidd, the protagonist narrates the struggles of her household as they transfer from a small city to the town, together with the hardship of washing garments by hand.
Artwork, Literature, and Movie
Quaint washing machines have additionally been featured in numerous types of artwork, literature, and movie, typically serving as a logo of nostalgia or as a commentary on the human situation. Within the portray “Inside with Girl Washing Garments” by American artist Andrew Wyeth, a lady stands at a sink, meticulously washing garments by hand. This picture contrasts with the idealized portrayals of washing machines in promoting, highlighting the labor concerned in home work. Equally, within the novel “The Handmaid’s Story” by Margaret Atwood, the protagonist describes the humiliation of being pressured to clean garments by hand, underscoring the dehumanizing results of oppressive regimes.
Examples of Previous Usual Washing Machines in In style Tradition
– Within the film “Mrs. Doubtfire” (1993), the lead character (performed by Robin Williams) creates a faux household life by pretending to be an ideal homemaker. In a single scene, he’s proven washing garments in a handbook washer, a nod to the nostalgic attraction of quaint home work.
– Within the tv present “Mad Males” (2007-2015), the character Betty Draper (performed by January Jones) is proven struggling along with her home duties, together with washing garments by hand. This portrayal highlights the constraints positioned on ladies within the Nineteen Sixties and the significance of laundry work of their lives.
– Within the movie “The Pocket book” (2004), the protagonist (performed by Ryan Gosling) writes love letters to his companion (performed by Rachel McAdams) whereas she is away in school, highlighting the home routine of washing garments and hanging them to dry.
Technical Particulars and Mechanisms
Quaint washing machines have been marvels of mechanical engineering, counting on a mix of gears, pulleys, and gravity to get the job executed. The intricate dance of steel parts, from the drum’s rotation to the agitator’s scrubbing motion, created a mesmerizing spectacle of movement and sound. On the coronary heart of those machines lay the mechanical parts that made them tick.
The Function of Gears and Pulleys
Gears and pulleys performed a vital position within the operation of quaint washing machines. These mechanical parts allowed for the transmission of rotational drive, enabling the machine to carry out numerous duties comparable to agitating, rinsing, and spinning. Through the use of a system of interconnected gears, the machine might obtain the exact quantity of torque and pace wanted to successfully clear garments. Pulleys, then again, helped to alter the course of the rotational drive, permitting the agitator to maneuver in a figure-eight sample that successfully scrubbed garments.
- The principle drive gear was accountable for transmitting energy from the motor to the gear system.
- The agitator gear, related to the principle drive gear, transformed the rotational drive right into a scrubbing movement.
- The drum gear, hooked up to the drum, managed the drum’s rotation and pace.
- The pulleys, strategically positioned all through the machine, redirected the rotational drive to particular components of the machine.
Gravity and Strain
Gravity and strain have been important forces in quaint washing machines. Because the drum rotated, gravity pulled the garments down, permitting water and detergent to penetrate and clear the material. The load of the garments, mixed with the strain exerted by the agitator, created a strong drive that successfully eliminated dust and stains. Moreover, the machine’s design allowed for exact management over strain, enabling operators to tailor the cleansing course of to particular material sorts and soil ranges.
The precept of gravity, mixed with the mechanical drive of the agitator, created a synergetic impact that cleaned garments extra successfully than handbook washing.
Step-by-Step Operation
The operation of an quaint washer could be damaged down into a number of key steps. First, the consumer would load the garments into the drum, including detergent and water as wanted. Subsequent, the machine could be switched on, and the gears would have interaction, rotating the drum and agitator in a exact sample. Because the machine cycled by way of numerous phases (agitation, rinsing, and spinning), gravity and strain would work in tandem to scrub the garments. Lastly, the machine would come to relaxation, the garments could be rinsed, and the cycle would repeat till the specified degree of cleanliness was achieved.
- Load the garments into the drum, including detergent and water as wanted.
- Have interaction the gears and change on the machine, initiating the wash cycle.
- The agitator and drum rotate in a exact sample, utilizing gravity and strain to scrub the garments.
- The machine cycles by way of numerous phases, together with agitation, rinsing, and spinning.
- The machine involves relaxation, and the garments are rinsed.
- The cycle is repeated till the specified degree of cleanliness is achieved.
Fashionable Revivals and Artisanal Merchandise
In recent times, there’s been a surge in curiosity in old style washing machines, with many individuals looking for to revamp their houses with vintage-inspired home equipment. This nostalgia-driven pattern has led to the emergence of artisanal producers and makers who create handmade washing machines that mix conventional design with fashionable performance. From restored vintage machines to bespoke, handcrafted items, these artisanal merchandise are making a press release on the earth of laundry and residential decor.
Artisanal Producers and Makers
Artisanal producers and makers play a big position within the fashionable revival of old style washing machines. These people draw inspiration from classic designs, incorporating conventional supplies and methods into their creations. By doing so, they cater to customers looking for distinctive, one-of-a-kind home equipment that mirror their private fashion.
Some notable examples of artisanal washer producers embody:
- Sure artisanal producers create handcrafted washing machines utilizing reclaimed wooden and classic steel components, giving every unit a definite, distressed look.
- Different makers deal with restoring vintage machines, respiratory new life into forgotten heirlooms and making them purposeful once more.
- Some producers experiment with progressive supplies and applied sciences, merging conventional craftsmanship with fashionable improvements like LED lighting and solar-powered parts.
- Moreover, these artisans typically incorporate sustainability and eco-friendliness into their designs, utilizing supplies which can be recycled, biodegradable, or regionally sourced.
By embracing the handmade and the distinctive, artisanal producers and makers are serving to to redefine the laundry expertise, making it a extra private and interesting course of.
Examples of Fashionable Washing Machines Impressed by Previous Usual Designs
The affect of classic washing machines could be seen in numerous fashionable designs, from aesthetic reinterpretations to purposeful updates. Some examples of contemporary washing machines impressed by old style designs embody:
- The ‘Retro Revival’ washer, which mimics the traditional design of Fifties-era machines with its curved traces and chrome accents.
- The ‘Heritage’ washer, which includes reclaimed wooden and classic steel components into its design, paying homage to conventional craftsmanship.
- The ‘EcoCycle’ washer, which encompasses a fashionable, minimalist aesthetic whereas incorporating eco-friendly supplies and options like solar-powered drying.
- The ‘Classic Vibes’ washer, which sports activities a distressed end and incorporates LED lighting to create a novel, retro-chic look.
These examples reveal how fashionable designs can draw inspiration from the previous, leading to progressive, fashionable, and purposeful home equipment that mirror our appreciation for historical past and nostalgia.
Abstract
As we conclude our journey by way of the world of quaint washing machines, it is clear that these relics of the previous not solely mirror our cultural heritage but additionally maintain beneficial classes for a extra sustainable and environment friendly future.
Widespread Queries: Previous Usual Washing Machine
Q: What was the primary washer invention?
The primary washer was patented in 1782 by Jacob Christian Schäffer, a German inventor.
Q: How did quaint washing machines work?
Quaint washing machines relied on handbook or mechanical labor to scrub garments, utilizing a mix of water, cleaning soap, and elbow grease.
Q: Are quaint washing machines environmentally pleasant?
No, quaint washing machines have been infamous water hogs and generated important waste, making them much less environmentally pleasant than fashionable machines.
Q: Can I nonetheless purchase or restore quaint washing machines?
Sure, some producers nonetheless produce vintage-style washing machines, and restoration companies can assist carry these vintage machines again to life.