This section is from the book "The Home Cyclopedia Of General Information", by Charles Morris. Also available from Amazon: Home Cyclopedia of Necessary Knowledge.
[Fr., from L., salvus, safe.] A strong room or box for keeping money and valuables safe from fire and thieves. Safes are double wrought-iron chests, with plaster of Paris and mica or alum to resist heat. Burglar-proof safes are usually fitted with locks (q.v.) difficult to pick.
 
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