[1521] The whole of this passage is hopelessly corrupt, and we can only guess at the meaning.
[1522] We have already stated that “vappa” is properly vinegar, which has been exposed to the air and has lost its flavour. In this fresh chemical change, which he calls a second fermentation, the wine becomes vinegar; and probably in the cases he mentions, for some peculiar reason, its speedy transition to “vappa” could not be arrested.
[1523] Mixed with water, it was the “posca,” or common drink of the Roman soldiers; and it was used extensively both by Greeks and Romans in their cooking, and at meals.
[1525] By the mixture of ashes, Fée says, the wines would lose their colour, and have a detestable alkaline flavour.
[1526] A perfect absurdity, Fée remarks.
[1528] Bitterness, driness, and a disagreeable smell.
[1529] Georg. ii. 498.
[1530] See B. iv. c. 12.