A brief guide to the Food Collection

by Bethnal Green Museum

Class II.—Medicinal or Auxiliary.

The Food Substances in this Class are divided into four groups, namely:—Those containing alcohol, those containing volatile oils, those containing acids, and those containing alkaloids, which act upon the nervous system as stimulants or sedatives.

Beer.

The most common form in which alcohol is employed in this country is that of beer. Beer is distinguished from other alcoholic beverages by the addition of hops, which are the female catkins of a plant extensively grown in this country. Case 35 contains the materials from which porter is brewed, and illustrates the changes which malt undergoes during its conversion into beer. The analysis of stout, porter, pale ale, mild ale, and strong ale are exhibited in Case 35, and the quantities of water, alcohol, sugar, and acetic acid are shown in an imperial pint of each. Next to beer the beverages containing alcohol consumed in this country are wines. The visitor is referred to the printed descriptive labels for details concerning the sources and manufacture of various wines from the juice of fruits, especially grapes. In Case 36 the quantities of water, alcohol, sugar, and tartaric acid, are shown in an imperial pint of the following wines:—Port, Brown Sherry, Pale Sherry, Claret, Burgundy, Hock, Moselle, Champagne, and Madeira.

In this country wines are made from oranges, raisins, gooseberries, currants, elderberries, and other fruits. They are usually called “home-made” or “British” wines. They contain other acids besides tartaric, hence the necessity of adding to them large quantities of sugar to cover the taste of the acid. Samples of British wines are exhibited in the Collection.

Distilled Spirits.

The terms “distilled” and “ardent” spirits are applied to alcoholic beverages which contain a very large per-centage of alcohol.

Those most commonly used are Gin, Rum, Whisky, and Brandy.

Alcoholic drinks when taken into the stomach act injuriously upon the mucous membrane, and when absorbed into the blood excite the nervous system. When taken in too large quantities, or upon an empty stomach, they lay the foundation of diseases of the stomach and surrounding organs, which often terminate in death. Their action on the nervous system, though pleasant and agreeable, and even healthful in small quantities, becomes a source of fearful disease when carried to excess.

It is difficult to procure alcohol pure, and distilled spirits always contain a certain quantity of water. A spirit having a density of .920 is called “proof spirit” in this country; and when distilled spirits contain more or less alcohol than this, they are said to be “under” or “above” proof.

The quantities of alcohol, water, and sugar in an imperial pint of Brandy, Rum, and Gin, are shown in the Case 39.

The physical degeneracy and moral degradation attendant upon taking alcohol in excess are well known; and no language is too strong to condemn the folly and wickedness of those who thus convert one of the blessings of Providence into a curse.

In Cases 38 the visitor will see samples of alcohol obtained from various sources; also a variety of flavored spirits, or “liqueurs,” from various countries, and a Japanese spirit or liqueur, distilled from rice, called “soke,” or “saki.”

Volatile Oils.

There is a large class of substances which are added to food for the purpose of giving it flavour, and which on account of the volatile oils they contain act as stimulants. These substances are known as Spices and Condiments. They also serve as the basis of a large number of sauces, which are sold ready prepared for the purpose of being added to cooked food. There is some difficulty in separating Spices from Condiments, but the former are more generally eaten with sugar, the latter with salt.

In Cases 40 to 43 will be found an extensive series of Spices and Condiments from various parts of the world.

Flavorers.

There is another class of substances, which cannot be called either condiments or spices, but which are extensively employed to render the taste of food more agreeable. Among these may be noticed (see Case 44) oil of bitter almonds, vanilla, lemon, orange, and citron peel.

One of the most interesting discoveries of modern chemistry is the nature of those essences which give the various flavours to fruits. These “artificial fruit essences” have been so skilfully imitated in the laboratory of the chemist that they are extensively employed to flavour confectionery, &c. Examples of these artificially prepared fruit essences, may be seen in the case.

Acids.

Many of the organic acids resemble closely in their composition starch and sugar, and may to a certain extent act on the system in the same way. In the classification adopted in the Food Collection, they are classed under medicinal or auxiliary food.

Acetic Acid or Vinegar is obtained either from the oxidation of alcohol in fermented liquors, or from the distillation of wood. Common vinegar is obtained from the oxidation of the fermented wort of malt. A series of preparations illustrating the processes undergone in the formation of vinegar from malt has been presented to the collection by Messrs. Beaufoy and Co.

Citric Acid is contained in many fruits, but exists in greatest abundance and purity in the fruits of the orange, the lemon, the citron, the shaddock, the pommeloe, the lime, and others. All these fruits contain citric acid, and varying proportions of sugar. Citric acid can be separated from the juice of these plants in a crystalline form.

Tartaric Acid is found in the juice of the fruits of the vine tribe, more especially of the common vine. This acid gives the acidity to the fruit of the grape, and is the acid present in wines.

Malic Acid is contained in the fruits of the natural order Rosaceæ. It has the same general properties as the other acids, and is contained alone in apples and pears; whilst in cherries, plums, &c. it is mixed with other acids.

Oxalic Acid is contained in the wood sorrel, also in the common sorrel, and various species of rhubarb. Species of the latter genus are extensively cultivated in this country, and the stalks of their large leaves cut up and made into pies, puddings, &c. They are ready for use early in the spring, and are an excellent substitute for fruit in pies and tarts at that season of the year. Although oxalic acid is a poison when taken in considerable quantities, as ordinarily consumed it probably acts in the same way on the system as other acids.

For examples of Acids, Pickles of various kinds, &c., see Case 23.

Alkaloids acting as Stimulants or Sedatives.

The next and last group is that of Food Substances containing alkaloids, which act upon the nervous system as stimulants or sedatives. The principal examples are Tea, Coffee, Cocoa, Tobacco, Hemp, and Opium.

Tea and Coffee have hardly any other properties in common than the possession of an alkaloid called Theine or Caffeine, which is identical in the two. Chocolate contains a peculiar alkaloid called Theobromine. Paraguay tea or “maté” is the only other substance extensively used as a dietetic infusion that contains theine; in South America it occupies the same position in domestic economy as Chinese tea does in this country. Case 46 exhibits the chemical analysis of a pound of ordinary good Chinese Tea; and in Cases 47, 48, and 99, contiguously placed, are numerous samples of tea from China, Japan, Java, Brazil, and East India.

The analysis of a pound of Coffee is shown in Case 50; and many samples of raw coffee from various parts of the world are exhibited. The visitor’s notice is directed to the printed descriptive label concerning Coffee, which is suspended near the case containing the analysis.

Cocoa is represented by the analysis of a pound of Cocoa paste in Case 53, and by a series of the fruit pods containing the seed or nuts, presented by Messrs. Fry and Son, of Bristol, as well as by various preparations and confections. The distinguishing feature of its composition consists in the large quantities of fat and albumen which it contains; so that Cocoa not only acts as an alternative through its theobromine, but as a force-producing and flesh and force-producing food. Samples of the commercial varieties of the nuts or seeds from various countries are exhibited.

Tea and Coffee Substitutes.

A variety of substances are exhibited in Case 49 in illustration of the use of the leaves of various plants for making potable infusions. The most important is Paraguay tea or “maté,” which contains the same alkaloid called theine, as the Chinese tea plant. A quantity of “maté” is shown, with calabash or dried gourd for making the infusion, and sucking pipe for drinking it. A large number of substances have been employed from time to time as substitutes for Coffee, and prepared in the same way. Many of them are shown in Case 52. In this country none of these so-called Coffee Substitutes have established themselves in public reputation, and are seldom sold. Some of them, however, are used as adulterants of Coffee.

Tobacco.

Although Tobacco has been only comparatively recently introduced amongst the inhabitants of the Old World, it is more extensively employed than any other narcotic. It is the produce of various species of the genus Nicotiana. The practice of smoking the leaves of these plants was introduced from the New World. The species, which is a native of America, and which supplies the greater proportion of the Tobacco smoked in Europe, is the Nicotiana Tabacum. The leaves of these plants contain an active and highly poisonous principle called Nicotine, which is the agent that produces the narcotic effect experienced in smoking. This narcotic effect resembles in some measure that of alcohol. Tobacco has, however, a less stimulant effect than alcohol, and produces, especially at first, a greater derangement of the general nervous system.

The chemical analysis of one pound of Tobacco is exhibited in Case 98. Cases 93 to 97 contain a series of specimens of the leaves of species and varieties of Tobacco cultivated in various parts of the world, with samples also of the Cigars and Tobaccos manufactured from them.

Examples of varieties of Snuffs used in this and other countries will be seen in Case 97. Snuffs are usually made from the stalks and ribs of tobacco leaves. Tobacco is liable to be adulterated with the leaves of other plants; these, however, can be detected under the microscope. Specimens of Tobacco adulterated with other leaves are illustrated in the diagram near the cases.

Opium is used extensively as a medicine, on account of its power of alleviating pain and inducing sleep. It is a very powerful, and consequently dangerous narcotic poison, and should never be taken except under medical advice. In small doses it acts as a stimulant. On account of this latter property and its subsequent soothing influence, it has been indulged in by man, and is consumed largely in China and other parts of the world as a dietetical luxury. When taken for this purpose it is smoked, and is generally consumed with tobacco or some other leaf in a pipe. Pipes used for this purpose in China are exhibited in the cases containing Chinese food, with a collection of Chinese tobaccos, most of which appear to contain Opium.

The practice of “opium eating,” as it is called, exerts a most prejudicial effect upon the system; and although not rapidly destroying life, the victim of this habit is after a time rendered perfectly miserable if not able to procure this indulgence. As is the case with alcohol and tobacco, the system becomes accustomed to the use of this narcotic, and prodigious quantities have been consumed by those who have addicted themselves to the practice of taking it for the sake of its effect on the system.

A series of preparations from Opium, presented by the Society of Apothecaries, Apothecaries Hall, and specimens of other narcotic agents are exhibited in Case 92. The fruits of narcotic plants are sometimes consumed in this country in mistake for other plants, producing fatal effects. Examples of some of these poisonous plants are exhibited in the Collection, as well as diagrams of others.

Before closing this necessarily brief Guide to the Food Collection, it may be as well to notice some illustrations which may be deemed exceptional to the Classification.

Fungi.—The group of Fungi contains a number of plants which are eaten as food, whilst many of them act as virulent poisons. Those which are edible contain varying quantities of starch, sugar, woody fibre, and albumen, together with an acid called fungic acid. A large number of species are eaten on the continent of Europe, which are not used in this country at all. Models of the common Mushroom, the Morel, and the Truffle, are shown, as well as preserved specimens.

The visitor should notice the large Truffle from Australia called “Native Bread.” It is in Case 34.

A series of coloured diagrams or drawings of British Fungi taken from living specimens, both edible and poisonous, are also exhibited, having been purchased from the artist, H. Worthington Smith, Esq., F.L.S.

National Foods.—Various food products of foreign nations are included in the Collection, and for the sake of illustrating National Food have been kept separate. It is hoped that other collections of the same kind, illustrating national peculiarities of diet may be formed and presented to the Museum.

In Cases 72 to 78 is an important collection of Chinese Food, which was received in 1859. The collection was procured from two districts, Shanghae and Foo-Chow-Foo, and contains many curious and interesting edible substances and preparations, some of them new to this country. Descriptive labels are attached to every specimen.

Japanese, Siamese, and East Indian food products are shown in Cases 81 to 86.

In Case 79 will be noticed a series of edible birds’ nests from China, Siam, Java, Borneo, and other countries. These nests are formed by swallows, two specimen of which are shown in the case.

Economic Entomology applied to Food and Forestry.

This Collection, formed and arranged for the Department of Science and Art by Andrew Murray, Esq., F.L.S., is exhibited at the eastern end of the gallery, partly on the wall, and partly in glazed cases on the counter. It is intended to illustrate the ravages of such insects as are known to be destructive to alimentary substances, or that are noxious or injurious to man and domestic animals. Also, those insects known to be destructive to timber, or otherwise exemplifying the science of Entomology in its relation to Forestry. The Collection is contained in 42 cases, to which belong 31 framed diagrams and drawings. This Entomological Collection is yet incomplete, and may be considered as still in course of formation.

Adulteration of Food.

The extensive employment of various substances for the Adulteration of Food has led to the formation of a collection of those more commonly employed. In Cases 97 and 98 these substances are arranged according as they have been obtained from the animal, vegetable, or mineral kingdom. They have been selected principally from the results obtained by Dr. Hassall, and made known in his work “On the Adulteration of Food.”

The adulteration of Milk with Water is shown in Case 54. These examples are renewed weekly; and the use of the lactometer or milk measurer, is also exemplified in the same case. The goodness of milk can also be ascertained by means of the microscope. The diagrams on the wall represent good cream, good pure milk, bad milk, and the curd of milk as seen under the microscope.

LONDON:
Printed by George E. Eyre and William Spottiswoode,
Printers to the Queen’s most Excellent Majesty.
For Her Majesty’s Stationery Office.
[4018.—5000.—7/72.]

The following Publications are on Sale at the Catalogue Stall.

CATALOGUE of the COLLECTION lent by Sir RICHARD WALLACE, Bart. Sixpence.

ALPHABETICAL INVENTORY of the FOOD COLLECTION. Sixpence.

BRIEF GUIDE to the FOOD COLLECTION. One Penny.

BRIEF GUIDE to the ANIMAL PRODUCTS COLLECTION. One Penny.

SCIENCE DIRECTORY, with Regulations for Establishing and Conducting Science Schools and Classes. Sixpence.

ART DIRECTORY, with Regulations for promoting Instruction in Art. Sixpence.

^*_*^* For information as to instruction in Science and Art in the Schools established in the Eastern and North-eastern districts of London, see the end cover.

Instruction in Science and Art in the Eastern and North-Eastern Districts of the Metropolis, in connexion with the Science and Art Department.

1. Metropolitan District Schools of Art are established at the following placed in the Eastern and North-eastern Districts:—

St. Thomas’ Charterhouse, Goswell Street Road.

Spitalfields, 12, White Lion Street, Norton Folgate.

North London, Sandringham Road, Kingsland.

These Schools are open in the evening from 7 to 9. There are female classes at each school. Applications for admission, prospectuses, or any other information to be made at the schools in each district.

2. Night classes for instruction in drawing in connexion with the Science and Art Department are held in the following schools:—

Bethnal Green National School.

Hackney Parochial School.

Mile End, Church Street School.

Poplar, All Saints’ National School.

„ St. Saviour’s National School.

Stepney, St. Paul’s School.

„ St. Philip’s National School.

Whitechapel, St. Paul’s National School.

Science classes, in various branches of science, also in connexion with the Department have been formed in the following schools:—

Bethnal Green	Birkbeck School. Abbey Street School. National School. St. James the Less, National School.
Bow	Baptist Chapel School. (Bow North) Old Ford Road School.
Hackney	Parochial School. St. Thomas Square School.
Kingsland	North London School of Art, Sandringham Road.
Mile End	Church Street School. Church of England Young Men’s Society.
Poplar	St. Saviour’s National School. St. Mary’s School. Boys’ National School. (Poplar Bromley) William Street.
Stepney	Colet Boys’ School. Blue Coat School. St. Paul’s School. St. Philip’s National School.

Information as to fees, &c. can be obtained on application at these schools.

4. The Science Directory and The Art Directory, price 6d. each, published by the Science and Art Department, contain full particulars of the regulations for establishing and conducting Science and Art schools and classes, with lists of those in operation. To be had at the Catalogue Stall.

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WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, AND FRIDAY,

Students’ Days,—Admission SIXPENCE,

From 10 A.M. to 4, 5, or 6 P.M., according to the Season.

TICKETS OF ADMISSION on Students’ days (available both for the Bethnal Green Museum and the South Kensington Museum) are issued at the following rates:—Weekly, 6d.; Monthly, 1s. 6d.; Quarterly, 3s.; Half-Yearly, 6s.; Yearly, 10s. Yearly Tickets are also issued to any school at 1l., which will admit all the pupils of such schools on all Students’ days. To be obtained at the Catalogue Sale-Stall of the Museum.

The above arrangements are similar to those of the South Kensington Museum.