658 MEALS MEDICINAL. 
separated by distillation. It is to the various bye-products 
which make their appearance during the fermenting process 
that the characteristic flavour of the different spirits is due. 
Thus the bye-products of the fermentation of malted barley 
give rise to the flavour of Whisky; those of molasses to the 
flavour of Rum; and those of the grape to that of Brandy. 
By means of patent stills these bye-products can be almost 
entirely separated from the alcohol with which they are mixed ; 
and the result is a nearly pure form of spirit, the origin whereof 
can scarcely be discriminated ; for which reason it is called “Silent 
Spirit.” By suitable “flavouring the artful manufacturer can 
make this the basis of almost any spirituous drink ”—(Dr. R. 
Hutchison). Amongst the substances commonly used for alco- 
holic fermentation in this country are malted, and unmalted 
barley, maize, rice, sugar, and molasses. The most valuable 
spirit for giving to sick persons, when really needed, is Brandy, 
provided it be genuine, which article is rare in this country. 
“‘The greater part of it,” says Dr. Hutchison, “is spuriously 
concocted (actually in the Cognac district of France) from 
* silent spirit,” whilst coloured with burnt sugar, and flavoured 
with cenanthine, or with various essences. But such a product 
is entirely different from genuine Brandy, since it is quite devoid 
of those volatile ethers derived from wine (in the true Brandy) 
to which the real Cognac owes most of the beneficial results it 
is capable of producing in sickness. Likewise the possession 
of these volatile ethers in large amount is that which mainly 
distinguishes Brandy from Whisky ; as regards alcoholic strength 
the two are about equal.” For Sloe Gin, as a noted astringent 
cordial of wide repute, a certain Mr. Nathanael Gubbins, at 
Chichester, used to possess a priceless prescription. Annually, 
on October 20th, a “ Sloe” Fair (as thus interpreted) is held in 
that venerable city. Sloe jelly and Sloe puddings are much 
affected by the natives. But originally this October Fair was 
a “Slo” Fair (old English, s/oh, to slaughter), when the beasts 
were sold for killing, that they might be salted down to provide 
meat through the winter. 
STARCHES. 
Ir has been taught until recently by all dietists that Starches 
as food elements exclusively supply bodily warmth, and fat; but 
