Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ix

Preface: The Old-House Doctor and His Patients xi

1 The Body and Soul of the Old-House 1

2 Exposing the Secrets of Your Old-House's Past 8

3 How Disease May Threaten Your Old-House 23

4 The Skeleton of the Old-House 34

5 The Hair and Scalp: The Roof and Its Coverings 51

6 The Skin: Wall, Ceiling, and Floor Coverings 65

7 Doors and Windows: The Organs of the Senses 78

8 The Nervous System: Electricity in Your Old-House 87

9 The Circulatory and Excretory Systems: Water Supply and Waste Disposal 100

10 The Digestive and Respiratory Systems: Old-House Energy Consumption and Ventilation 119

11 Old-House Cosmetics and Ornamentation: Adding and Subtracting Wallpaper, Paint, and Other Adornments 140

12 Restoration, Renovation, or Euthanasia? 152

Appendix: Old House Transplants: Locating Materials for Your Old-House 159

Bibliography 164

Index 170