[655]. Sugar, perfectly free from the extractive matter with which it exists in combination in nature, and which constitutes that compound to which the name of Sweet Principle has been given, will not, however diluted, undergo any kind of fermentation; for it is the presence of this peculiar extractive matter, the natural leaven of fruits, that enables it to undergo that process; since, however, all clayed sugars, or modifications of sugar which are short of perfect purity, still contain a small proportion of this extractive, they are capable of fermenting, when sufficiently dilute; Dr. Maccullough, in his essay on the art of making wine, observes, that by the addition of a very small quantity of the Sulphite of Potass, the fermentation of syrups and preserves may be effectually prevented; he states also, that the same object may generally be attained by the use of Oxy-muriate of Potass, a salt absolutely tasteless, and easily procured.
[656]. The Damask Rose, Rosa Centifolia, of which this Syrup is composed, was imported into this country by Linacre, on his return from Italy.
[657]. Major Cochrane’s Cough Medicine. White poppy heads without seeds, are made into a decoction, which is strained, and boiled again with vinegar and brown sugar, until it assumes the consistence of syrup, which is then acidified by elixir of vitriol.
[658]. It would appear that there are two principles of activity in Tobacco, an essential oil, and nicotin, either of which are, individually, capable of producing death, but by a very different physiological action, the former by its effects on the brain, the latter by its influence on the heart! See page 132.
[659]. It seems very probable that the “juice of cursed hebenon,” by which, according to Shakespeare, the king of Denmark was poisoned, was no other than the essential oil of Tobacco:—
——“Sleeping within mine orchard,
My custom always of the afternoon,
Upon my secure hour thy uncle stole,
With juice of cursed hebenon in a vial,
And in the porches of mine ears, did pour