28 
to turn rancid. These properties rendered it very valuable in 
Pharmacy. Cocoa contained about 50 per cent. of oil, a great part of 
which might be pressed out ina hot press. This oil, although highly 
nutritious, was yet found very indigestible by some people. It had 
been employed in the form of lozenges to cure habitual constipation, 
and in phthisis, scrofula, &c., instead of cod liver oil. The fixed oil, 
though highly nutritious, was found by many to be indigestible ; 
therefore a large proportion was removed in the manufacture of certain 
forms of cocoa, such as Homceopathic, and starch and sugar added. 
This was said to render it more digestible. It certainly diluted the 
cocoa, but more objectionable forms of adulteration had been detected. 
In cocoas purchased in Brighton he had found ferruginous earth, and 
fatty matter derived from animals. 
The paper was illustrated by specimens of genuine and adulterated 
tea, coffee, and cocoa, the ingredients obtained from each, and 
microscopic preparations, prepared by Mr. Smith. 
After a vote of thanks and a discussion, in which Messrs. MOORE, 
T. GLAISYER, SMITH, and WONFOR, took part, the meeting became 
a Conversazione, when the ingredients of tea, coffee, and cocoa, 
prepared by Mr. SMITH, were exhibited under the microscope by Mr. 
W. H. SmitTH, Drs. HALLIFAX and BADCOCK, and Messrs. WONFOR 
and T. GLAISYER. 
Mr. WoONFoR also exhibited a couple of slides lent him by Mr. T. 
CuRTIES,. of Holborn, and designated a microscopical novelty, in 
which birds, flowers, and insects had been built up from butterfly 
scales. Though to the microscopist they were only toys, yet they were 
marvels of what patience and skill could accomplish, and were pro- 
nounced by all very beautiful objects. 
DECEMBER 12TH. 
ORDINARY MEETING.—MR. R. GLAISYER ON 
STRANGE COMPANIONSHIPS AMONG - ANIMALS. 
In the vegetable world two distinct companionships are found, 
viz., the parasites, or those which lived at the expense of the host to 
——— | 
