Question

Potatoes Mashed

When your potatoes are thoroughly boiled, drain them quite dry, pick out every speck, &c., and while hot, rub them through a colander into a clean stew-pan. To a pound of potatoes put about half an ounce of butter, and a table-spoonful of milk: do not make them too moist; mix them well together.

–The Cook’s Oracle; and Housekeeper’s Manual
William Kitchiner

Which question will be most helpful in understanding how to complete this recipe?

Why should I add milk?
Where can I buy a colander?
What is the best tool for mixing?
What if I use margarine instead of butter?

Answer 1

What is the best tool for mixing?

That directly helps you carry out the instruction to "mix them well together" and affects the final texture.