Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-07-13

in which the pernicious qualities of certain
substances in common use as food, are sta
ted. The enumeration. deserves at least
the consideration Of those whose voice is
most potent in the affairs ofthe table "Cu'
linary salt, in smaller quantities, excites
the stomach, increases the appetite and the
secretions and excretions. In larger guam
titles, irritates and naames the mucous
membranes, produces great heat and burn
ing in the throat and stomach, accompani-
ed with great thirst. In sensitive persons
it occasions vomiting, diarrhea, and some-
times. cardlalgia. It's continued and copi-
GUS use effects a general corruption of the
juices ofthe body, which shows itself in
exanthematc diseases of the skin, and
sometimes ends in that dreadful malady,
scurvy, an evil frequently seen among sail
ors on long voyages. External applications
of salt produce inflammation and pustulous
eruptions on the skin. Zone half ounce, or
a tablespoonful day, is considered a large
dose.) Such is the effectof salt upon man ;
and almost every one uses it more or less,
and is consequently more, or less deleteri-
ously affected by-it. The appetite maybe
normal or already over excited, salt is in
Discriminatory taken at every meal. 1t is
NOT regarded if salt has already infamed the
tender mucous membranes--water is re-
sorted to, and then salt taken again. 1t
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or loathsome e.
ruptions are already caused by it., salted
victuals are constantly used; but if cardi-
algia or scurvy are once torturing the poor
sufferer then the physician will probably
tell him 10 discontinue the use of salt until
he is cured again.-Vinegar promotes Sc
cretion. It's continued use causes diges-
tive disorders-pain and pressure in the
stomach, collie, diarrhea, dyspepsia, even
organic degeneration Of the membranes OF
the stomach and intestines-such as indu-
ratlons, ,scrrhus, etc. After vinegar is as.
simulated into the blood it exerts a bad in
luence upon the whole arterial system,
therefore Upon the organic reproduction,
and sometimes in such degree as to cause
even cachexia and consumption. On the
lungs it's effects are so severe as generally
to cause speedy pulmonary consumption
I'm consequence of the uninterrupted abb
sorption of vinegar vapours) )-in persons
who are continually employed in vinegar
establishments. If nursing mothers con.
sumo vinegar, their sucking infants will
invariably experience all the snherings
which most attend upon acids in the stom-
ach and intestinal canal.-Cnnamon is
strong stimulant-increases The appetite,
excites the whole nervous system-sensi-
lively as we'll as irritably-accelerates the
circulation of the blood, increases the heat
of the body.-Nutmeg is in its effects rela-
ted to cinnamon, but besides has narcotic
qualities, and acts upon the sensorium-
produces giddiness, oppression on the breast,
somnolency, insensibility, insanity, and e.
ven death. DR.. Cullen, after administer
ing two drachms, observed giddlness, SOM
riolency and mental alteration to result
DR.. Purkinje experienced for a considera-
BILE time, torpor in every motion, in conse-
quence of having taken one nut after din
ner; three nuts produced an unconquera-
bic desire to sleep, and, after short time.
absolute insensl lbility.-Cloves stimulate
the appetite, and frequently produce disor.
ders IN the digestive organs, are very heat
ing, and cause rapid circulatIon-Ginger
affects the organization nearly like cloves
Vanilla excites the organs of circulation
and the nerves, increases the excretlons
and secretions, particularly of the lungs,
skin and kidneys. The foregoing article is
not, as the rest, Of common use in kitchens
except in those of the wealthy and so call
ed,refned. We add it to the list merely
because confectioners often introduce it in
large quantities into chocolate and other
sweetmeats, because its. agreeable smell
and taste make those articles more salea-
.ble.-Sahron in its effects are similar to
those of opium. In small quantities it is
exciting, and in larger, produces glddness,
stupefaction, fainting, and even apoPlexy
it heats and irritates the circulation OF the
blood. Gorilla and Alexander deny Its
strong narcotic quality .)-Hops stimulate
the action of the skin and the organs OF Sc
cretion. Lime ascribes narcotic properties
to hops which Magendie and others'deny
to them; but Ives, Freake, Wylie and 9TH
ers confirm the result of Linne's expert
ments.-Cayenne Pepper, in small quantl-,
ties, excites and stimulates the functions Of
the stomach, and the whole nervous sys-
tenn in general in larger quantities it pro-
duces severe pains id the intestines, tenes-
mus, mucous emissions from the urethra-
strangury. DIR. Weinhold administered
two drachms of the powder to an old dog,
after which the same appeared very live
lv, and the circulation of the blood great
ly accelerated during dissection the
blood was found very red and thin, the kid
neys and glands of the abdomen were enor-
mously sweled, and metallic rrltants ap-
piled to the muscles caused them'to con.
tract violently. Capsicum annum-(red
pepper)-black pepper and white pepper
-(aIlspice) )--have the same effect, but less
iutense.-Mustard, IN small quantities,
stimulates the appetite and increases heat
In. large doses It produces vomiting, dlar-
rhea, and inflammation OF the organs Of
digestion. External applications are at
tended with irritation and Inflammation Of
the skin.-Horse-radish is less aromatic,
hut more acrid than. mustard, and, there.
fore occasions quicker and more intense
inflammation of the skin and mucous mem
branes.-Chocolate merely prepared from
the cocoa bean and sugar. (known,l think
as sanative chocolate )-is nutritive: but
on account of the cocoa oil not easily di'
sested. Chocolate prepared, as is gene
ralv done, with vanilla, cinnamon, etc.
has the same effects as those specs, only
more intense, because of its very nutricous
oualities.-Tea possesses narcotic proper
ties. It first stimulates and next stupefies
According to DR.. Smith, mere infusion o
the leaves suspends the irritabllity of thu
..u.olas Dir Ieftsnm states that an lnfl