i6 



and nervous reactions. I dare to prophesy, however, that a 

 statistical investigation would reveal the fact that the per- 

 cent of persons affected injuriously by coffee is not as great as 

 the percent of individuals who suffer from a digestive rash or 

 other metabolic disorders- in response to eating strawberries, 

 clams, spinach, and various other foods which a limited number 

 of people manifest an inability to digest or assimilate. 



"Coffee has been roasted well, so it is not necessary to cook it 

 again in the making, as the desirable constituents are removed 

 by a very brief treatment. Boiling, even for a short period, is 

 deleterious to both the flavor and aroma, and a woody, bitter 

 beverage results. Five minutes' subjection of coffee to water 

 at just helow (95° C), the boiling point, removes as much 

 caffeine (80 percent) as can be extracted without very prolonged 

 treatment. After a 5 minute water-treatment, of freshly 

 roasted, ground coffee at 95° C, or at 190° to 195° Fahrenheit, 

 the infusion should be immediately filtered and served. Coffee 

 prepared in this way results in a most palatable stimulating 

 beverage which is not harmful to 95 percent of people." 



The contrasting effects of the cofTee beverage and nicotine, 

 opium (morphine) and alcohol were discussed. 



"Experimental research strongly indicates that for 95 percent 

 to 97 percent of individuals, the moderate quantity of caffeine 

 consumed in one and one-half grain doses, which is the average 

 amount present in the 150 cc. (a little over one gill) of infusion 

 served as a cup of coffee, is a mild stimulant of the heart, brain, 

 and muscles. This action results in a greater power to accom- 

 plish mental and physical work without any detrimental after- 

 effect as manifested by a depression, in spirits or body functions. 

 The body rapidly increases its activity, but gradually returns to 

 normal without suffering any subnormal or recuperation period 

 which is characteristic of stimulants in general. Caffeine does 

 not apparently draw on the body reserve. It is hardly fair to 

 condemn a beverage, as certain people persist in doing, because 

 it may be slightly injurious to 3 percent of the population when 

 it is a most delightful and invigorating stimulant to the vast 

 majority." 



Respectfully submitted 



Arthur H. Graves, 



Secretary. 



