SUMMARY. 
227 
Functions ©T Water. — The work done by water in the body is 
as follows: 
1. It softens foods. 
2. It dissolves foods. 
3. It keeps the blood constantly and uniformly fluid. 
4. It makes secretions (tears, &c.). 
5. It carries off waste matter through the kidneys, the pores of the 
skin, and the breath. 
6. It has a cooling effect when taken into the body. 
7. By producing perspiration it keeps down the heat of the body so 
that it is regulated to about 98° F. 
Impure Water. — Water fouled with the decaying remains of plants 
or animals is unfit for drinking, and may cause illness. It should be boiled 
and filtered if there is any doubt of the purity. 
The presence of this harmful matter in water may be detected by adding a few 
drops of Condy's Fluid, which will tinge it with pink. If the water be foul, the pink 
colour will rapidly change. 
OTHER BEVERAGES (p. 160). 
Their Preparation. — Various drinks are prepared by means ot 
water and substances obtained from plants. They are either : 
1. Infusions; such as coffee, chocolate, tea, tamarind water, cocoa-nut 
water, &c. 
2. Water flavoured with the juices of fruits, as lime-juice. 
3. Fermented liquors, such as rum and other alcoholic beverages. 
Coffee.— Coffee contains a substance called caffeine (like theine in 
tea), which stimulates the nervous system. 
The effects of coffee are : 
1. To increase the action of the heart and lungs. 
2. To delay the digestion of meat foods 
3. To increase the activity of the brain 
4. To decrease perspiration. 
Cocoa or Chocolate is: 
1. Nourishing, on account of the flesh-forming substance in it. 
2. Fattening, from the fatty water. 
3. Nerve-restoring, from the theobromine (similar to theine or caffeine), 
4. Very palatable. 
Alcoholic Drinks. —These are quite unnecessary for people in 
health. If used too freely they cause great mischief to the organs of the 
body. 
