THE GRAPE 109 



exists in but slight quantity. Genuine cream of tartar is 

 the "natural salt of the grape" and tartaric acid, which 

 occurs in grapes in an acid potassium salt, is prepared for 

 commercial use from "tartar or argol, an impure acid 

 potassium tartrate, deposited from wine, or rather from 

 grape juice in the act of fermentation" (purified by chem- 

 ical process). Fownes' Manual of Chemistry. 



Lemons and grapes contain most abundanuy \he potash 

 salts of which all fruits have important quantities, and of 

 these two fruits grapes are better fitted for use as food proper 

 and are perhaps adapted to a larger percentage of the 

 human beings whose digestive organs are in need of repair. 

 For this reason the grape has been chosen as the most 

 attractive and direct method or vehicle for the conveyance 

 of potash salts into the system and by means of it wonderful 

 results — yet not surprising — have been accomplished. Both 

 the water and sugar of the grape require virtually no di- 

 gestion but are taken "almost at once into the blood." The 

 kidneys, liver, intestines, and other organs are cleared and 

 strengthened by the mineral elements of this fruit; in fact, 

 if the grape were a patent medicine more could hardly be 

 claimed for it as, in addition, it is recommended and given 

 to cure almost every form of respiratory ailment, for the 

 nerves, the blood, the spleen, and for skin affections. The 

 grape-cure proper limits the quantity of grapes given as well 

 as the variety of grape and restricts patients in regard to 

 other foods although taken in conjunction with a prescribed 

 diet of wholesome dishes. Without doubt, where any 

 serious affection seems to obtain, the grape-cure or grapes 

 in any unusual quantity should be taken under the direction 

 of those familiar with the. physiological effects and benefit, 

 or otherwise, in relation to special conditions, although in 

 "health or general ill-health" where a tonic is needed, the 

 grape is almost invariably helpful. 



