84 COCOA : ALL ABOUT IT. 



He states, in his "Handbook of Therapeutics," that "the 

 sustained administration of alkaHes and their carbonates renders 

 the blood poorer in soHd and in red corpuscles and impairs the 

 nutrition of the body." Of ammonia, carbonate of ammonia, and 

 spirits of ammonia, he says : " These preparations have many 

 properties in common with the alkaline potash and soda group. 

 They possess a strong alkaline reaction, are freely soluble in water, 

 have a high diffusion power, and dissolve the animal textures." 



One word with respect to the names "Cocoa" and "Choco- 

 late." Cacao, or Cocoa, is the commercial name by which the 

 plant and the fruit are known all over the world ; therefore it 

 directly applies to pure preparation of the fruit. When mixed 

 with sugar or any other substance it cannot logically retain its 

 original name, and the public have accepted this reasoning by 

 asking for " Cliocolate " when they require sweetened Cocoa. 

 It v/ould save much confusion if this rule were accepted and acted 

 upon by manufacturers, or even enforced by Act of Parliament. 



Much more might be written on the subject of adulteration, 

 and we trust it will still claim the careful attention of those 

 interested in the supply of pure and wholesome food. 



