What's That Thing: The Strangest Finds. Issue 238

Miracles are much more common in our lives than you might imagine. They can be found on a walk, on the shelf of a village store, even in your own bag. Of course, we're not talking about grandiose magical devices, but rather gadgets that make life easier but raise questions about their purpose due to their age or shape. But erudite users won't leave even the most intricate riddle unsolved.

1. Tiny graduated mug, found at a yard sale.





Measuring cup for small doses of medication.

2. A plastic plate with a small palm-sized indentation and an adjustable black strap on the back.



This is a transparent palette for mixing skincare products. It is a round yellow plate with a Velcro strap. It is used for mixing serums or creams to avoid direct contact with the palm of your hand.

3. A plastic egg-shaped thing found in a new house



A moisture-absorbing egg - an air dehumidifier. This gadget is designed to give things and rooms a fresh feel. Place the egg in a dresser drawer, on a shoe rack, or in the corner of a closet, and it will begin to discreetly absorb excess moisture, which is the cause of unpleasant odors, rust, and mildew.

The smart device will automatically tell you when it needs to recharge. While it's active and dehumidifying the air, it remains blue. Once the indicator turns pink, the egg has absorbed its maximum moisture. To restore its function, simply microwave the device for just 10 minutes. After that, it can be used again.



4. A short, narrow wooden stool with a very high back, found in a store



Antique step stool. The handle makes it convenient, quick, and easy to carry to the desired location without bending over.



5. Two identical red and white hard plastic objects (approximately 2.5 cm high), connected by elastic wire (approximately 30 cm)



Knitting needle covers. The elastic should be short enough to allow the caps to fit snugly. They prevent stitches from slipping and hold the needles together in the knitting basket. They are sometimes called Punchinello caps, named after the Italian clown Pulcinello, a character from a 17th-century Italian puppet theater.



6. A round board with seven holes, made of different types of wood



A trivet. Hot items are placed on it to prevent burning tables and countertops.

7. A strange curved leather box that won't open was found at a thrift store.



An old-fashioned blotter. A sheet of blotting paper was placed on the underside and smoothed out onto plain paper with text. It was previously used for writing with fountain pens.

8. Leather cylinders with metal hooks and patterned lacing, found in a jewelry bag.



This gadget is designed to hold hair in ponytails or braids.



9. The orange thing with rivets



A handle for removing hot pots and dishes from the oven.



10. Plastic platform with a concave top and a weighted metal ball attached with wire



Napkin holder, napkin holder.