Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1833-11-18
sPIRITUOUS LIQUORS.

Philosophers and divines have, Tor centuries,
been engaged in pointing out the pernicious ell
fects arising from an improper use OF ardent sPl-
rits. But the task which they imposed on them
selves has served only to make converts OF a
few; while the great mass,s,segardless OF conse-
uuences, and bent solely on the qualification OF
deprayed taste, continue to pour the liquid flre
into their stomachs.
The partial effect produced by the efforts Of
these friends of man 10 lessen the consumption
of spirituous liquors, appears to have been coca
sioned, in great measure, by the want OF cor
rect information as to the deleterious substances
with which they are impregnated. All will I'D,
@ that Il to sz s. j. rss great s lie com sn
mon distilled liquors; nav, the greater portion
of what is imported. are, in consequence OF the
authorizations, 10 which they are almost invaria-
blv subjected, rendered unwholesome, and fire.
ouent!y poisonous, even when used IN modera'
ton.
The only spirtuous liquors that can be made
pure in this country, are whlskey, apple and
peach brandy, and gin. All limitations OF French
brandy. or West India rum, are prepared by the
use of ingredients of most deleterious quality.
Whiskey also, which can be manufactured here
as we'll as m Ireland or Scotland, is seldom to be
had fit for use. This is occasoned entirely by
the ignorance Of those employed in the distilla.
ton; few Of whom know any thing OF the busi-
ness, and still fewer have any pretenslons to
science.
Its well known that Ergot, poisonous fun
gus. is found. sometimes, IN great abundance
among rye, and that this is permitted to be hresh.
ed out, grouud along with the grain, and after
wards converted into ~hiskey. OF this whis-
key--tbis liquid poison-teus OF thousands OF
-. in IL, h
out one among a thousand who drink it being
aware Of the fact.
Through the most correct channels of nforma.
lion. il has been ascertained that no less than
10000 hogsheads, er upwards of t,oo millions
four hundred thousand gallons Of whiskey were
purchased, and resold again in New York in the
course of 1891, after having undergone what Is
called the process of recfifeation. Bad as the
general run of whiskey is, 1t is rendered many
degrees worse by the prevailing mode of recti.
fl alton Everv chemist Knows that alcohol con.
sists of so parts of carbon, rs parts hydrogen,
and 62.5 pats water; and that il these proper
tions are Increased or diminished, the nature oil
the alcohol is materially changed.
!. In this CITY, and, I'VE believe. all over the UNI
ted States the rec,liers of distilled liquors use
nothing but charcoal in their operations. They
fill a tub tnaving a double bottom perforated
with ho!es) hearly one third full of ground char
coal, on which they pour the whiskes purchased
from the d-nler. After standing few hours, i
is drawn ID, when it is found almost Invested oil
taste or flavor This is then called pure spirits
and is purchased BY the importers, who mix it,
sometimes IN the proportion Of two thirds some
times one halt, but never less than one third, with
French brandy, Jamaica, and other West India
rum, Holland gin. and even New England rum
From the insipIdity which the carbon communi
Gates to the whiskey. it requires the best judges
to detect this mixture.
The prevailing opinion is. that the charcoal
discharges the natural impurities Of the whisksy.
But this is not the case. 1t merely covers over
dissuses, Or as chemists term il. neuiralises thu
essential oil (often burnt in dis,iiug the liquor
and other deleteriOus qualities which it acquires
in the manufacture The poison Of the ereot
and the poison Of the burnt oil. remain a. entire
and As fatal 10 their effects as 1t the whiskey had
never been passed through the charcoal.
II were to be wished that We could stop here
in our details Of the methods employed to adulte
rate an article Of such vast consumption a. thai