PROPERTIES, ETC. 51 



In conclusion he says : " The prepara- 

 tions of cocoa constitute food rather than 

 drink, being highly nutritious in every 

 sense of the term. The fat present in 

 cocoa viz. , the cocoa-butter appears to 

 be of a particularly available description. 

 It is said never to become rancid, and 

 merits an elaborate examination. Whether 

 it be owing to peculiarities in the fat of 

 cocoa, or whether it be the theobromine 

 that is particularly efficient, certain it is 

 that cocoa will sometimes nourish when 

 nothing else will, and cocoa is occasionally 

 invaluable to the physician." 



