660 Of the Excellent Qualities of Coffee. 



which would not cost more than half a pint of porter, 

 would be a much more refreshing and exhilarating 

 draught, and would no doubt be incomparably more 

 nourishing. 



How much, then, must it be preferable to a dram 

 of gin ! 



The advantages and disadvantages to agriculture 

 and commerce which would arise from the introduction 

 of a new beverage for supplying the place of malt 

 liquors and ardent spirits distilled from grain must be 

 estimated and balanced by those whose knowledge of 

 political economy fits them for determining these most 

 intricate and important questions. 



[This paper is printed from the English edition of Rumford's Essays, 

 Vol. IV., pp. 153-207.] 



