74 METHODS OF MAKING COFFEE. 



tity of water, which is set on the fire until it boils, and the cof- 

 fee, if allowed time, will settle of itself a mode adapted to 

 early risers and those in no hurry for breakfast. 



" If you want to improve your understanding, drink coffee," 

 said Sydney Smith. Sir James Mackintosh professes that he 

 believed the difference between one man and another was pro- 

 duced by the quantity of coffee he drank ! * 



Pope was among confirmed coffee-drinkers ; often calling up 

 his servant in the night to prepare a cup of it for him. It was 

 the custom in his day to grind and prepare it upon the table, of 

 which practice he gives us the following details in verse : 



" For lo ! the board with, cup and spoons is crowned, 

 The berries crackle, and the mill turns round ; 

 On shining altars of Japan they raise 

 The silver lamp ; the fiery spirits blaze. 

 From silver spouts the grateful liquors glide, 

 While China's earth receives the smoking tide. 

 At once they gratify their sense and taste, 

 And frequent cups prolong the rich repast. 

 Coffee ! which makes the politician wise, 

 And see through all things with his half -shut eyes ! " 



Taken in moderation, especially if combined with sugar and 

 milk, coffee is unquestionably the most w r holesome beverage 

 known. In a medical point of view, it has been regarded as a 

 cerebral stimulant and anti-soporific, and an antidote to opium. 

 As a medicine, it should be strong, and taken lukewarm. 



Coffee, when taken early in the morning before rising, some- 

 times alleviates an attack of asthma or coughing, and thus 

 proves of great service to many sufferers. Still it must not be 

 forgotten that it is a stimulant, and if taken too strong, or in 

 too great quantities, may give rise to nervous complaints ; and 

 although for a time an aid to digestion, yet, if too freely in- 

 dulged in, it will weaken the sensibility of the stomach and 



* The converse of the proposition would bear rather hard upon those persons 

 whose constitutional proclivities prevent their use of the beverage altogether. 



