208 
PROCEEDINGS OF THE VICTORIA INSTITUTE. 
It would not be possible to sell these as pure cocoas, cocoa 
extracts, or cocoa essences, if it were not for the popular belief 
that cacao, containing the whole of its natural fat, is indigestible. 
Cacao, among foods, occupies a very anomalous position in conse- 
quence. If a milk seller rob his milk of its natural fat he is 
heavily fined ; or if butter, cheese, or oilmeal is sold containing 
less than the normal proportions of fat, it is a serious offence. 
But with cacao, the manufacturer can say that he expressed the 
fat in the interests of public health. He has only to print 
“ public health ” in large capitals, and he may then pose as a 
public benefactor. This is how it works out in plain figures to 
his own advantage. He buys the cacao at about sixpence a 
pound, he expresses from this a quarter of a pound of fat which 
he sells for medical uses at the rate of one shilling a pound, and 
then he disposes of the impoverished residue — which he calls an 
extract or an essence — at the handsome rate of from 2/6 to 3/- 
a pound. Instead of being an essence, it is a thing deprived of 
part of its essence ; instead of being an extract, it is the residue 
of an extract. (Read label s.) 
As long as the profits are so considerable, manufacturers 
will probably foster the belief that cacao fat is indigestible. 
SECTION VII. — Miscellaneous. 
This section is not likely to be adulterated for fraudulent 
purposes. It is very remarkable that £30,000 should be spent 
annually in vegetables. ^ 
peas. ^ I would strongly 
tious in the consumption 
