12i ENGLISH BOTANY. 
similar to that employed for the torrefaction of coffee ; after which they are powdered, 
the powder itself being frequently adulterated. In specimens of chicory-powder 
examined by the above-named gentlemen, adulterations were discovered of various 
kinds — carrots, parsnips, beans, mangel-wurzel, a Turkish plant known as coffina, roasted 
corn, biscuit-powder, burnt sugar, and red earth, were all detected by the aid of the 
microscope and chemical tests. Chicory is possessed of active medicinal properties, in 
consequence of which it has long been included in the Materia Medica. Its properties 
so closely resemble those of the dandelion, that we quote the following observations of 
Dr. Pereira on the latter plant : — " Its obvious effects are those of a stomachic and 
tonic. In large doses it acts as a mild aperient. Its diuretic action is less obvious and 
constant. In various chronic diseases its continued use is attended with alterative and 
resolvent effects ; but where the digestive organs are weak and readily disordered, 
taraxacum is very apt to occasion dyspepsia, flatulence, pain, and diarrhoea." These 
remarks, of course, apply to the recent root ; and, in order to ascertain the effects of 
roasted chicory on the human system, Dr. Letheby and Dr. Hassall undertook to expe- 
riment. Three persons partook of a chicory breakfast : the infusion was dark-coloured, 
thick, destitute of the agreeable and refreshing aroma so characteristic of coffee, and 
was of a bitter taste. Each individual experienced for some time after drinking the 
infusion a sensation of heaviness, drowsiness, a feeling of weight at the stomach, and 
great indisposition to exertion ; in two headache set in, and in the third diarrhoea came 
on. In repeated trials of the chicory nearly the same symptoms appeared \ and it would 
appear, from these experiments, that at least some doubt is attached to the assertion 
of the " wholesome " properties of chicory as an article of diet. With regard to the 
economy and advantage of the admixture of chicory with coffee, we entirely disagree 
with those who advocate it. At one time the grocer was permitted to sell this mix- 
ture without incurring the risk of law or penalty of any kind. This substitution of 
chicory for coffee occasioned a loss to the revenue of £3,000 a year, besides its mis- 
chievous effect in adulterating and debasing a popular beverage when used in such 
large and undue proportions for admixture, and sold at the price of coffee. This 
state of things had to be remedied, and the grocers were compelled either to sell their 
chicory in a separate packet, or, if mixing it with the coffee, to say so on a label outside 
each packet. We find that competent writers on the subject state that there is good 
reason to believe that chicory, from its narcotic character, exerts an injurious effect on 
the nervous system ; and the celebrated German oculist Professor Beer, of Vienna, 
enumerates chicory-coffee as among the causes of amaurotic blindness. In order to show 
the great advantage of purchasing coffee whole, and grinding it as required, we quote 
from a little work, published by Mr. P. L. Sinimouds, entitled " Coffee as it is, and as 
it ought to be : " — " In various parts of the metropolis, but more especially in the east, 
are to be found liver-bakers. These men take the livers of oxen and horses, bake them 
and grind them into powder, which they sell to the low-priced coflee-house keepers at 
from fourpence to sixpence per pound, horses' liver coffee bearing the highest price. 
It may be known by allowing the coffee to stand until cold, when a thick pellicle or 
skin will be found on the top. It goes further than coffee, and is generally mixed 
with chicory and other vegetable imitations of coffee. Dissolved in water, and set 
for a liw <l;i\ s. it became extremely offensive and corrupt, showing that it consisted 
ot .some imperfectly charred animal matter." 
1 n Borne parts of Belgium the roots of Chicory are boiled and eaten like parsnips 
Chicory was known to the Romans, and Horace notices it under the name of 
Cicorca ■ it was undoubtedly eaten by them as a salad or pot-herb. Gerarde informs 
