Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1866-01-26
Coffee.

The article OF commerce most universally
known upon the tables of both rich and poor,
in the modern civilized world, after sugar and
bread, is undoubtedly, the aromatic and deli
cious beverage extracted from the coffee berry.
Indeed, t'' o~-haut France and portions of
Central Europe il is more used than sugar IL
self, for there are hundreds OF tnOusauus
drink it pure without milk, cream or any sweet
enng compound. To give full and complete
history of its production and application, would
be to prepare a volume, and consequently, we
shall conine ourselves, here, to brief sketch
of the chief points of information concerning it
that are most interesting to the general reader
The immense consumption OF coffee, in our
day, and the great value of the labor and traf-
fic connected with it, must always give it a
leading rank among the luxures of mankind.
The reasons for its universal adoption are
sound, for they are based upon chemical fact as
well as upon the agreeable favors with which
it falters the human palate. We have termed
it luxury, for such il still is in its best varie-
ties. although 1t is now regarded as almost in
dispensabe TO the comfort OF a vast proportion
of our race. Tea is chiefly patronized by the
Anglo Saxon race, and chocolate and cocoa are
still by far too costly to dispute the palm with
it, even where they are as popular in taste.
Coffee contains, in on eminent degree the
s,archy compound which goes to the formatio i
of the blood the aromatic substance that slim
ulates, warns and satisfies. and the mineral in
gradients that assist the formation OF the bones
Tea aud coffee both contain about l-3 part o.
vegetable fibre, and the remainder is made up
of mineral residue, gum, sugar, oily matter
acids and legumin, which resembles the caseint
in the animal organism, and is full of starchy
substance. Hence both are notable for theil
nutritious qualities. However, they have othel
valuable properties. In two cups prepared
from l.2 or of coffee, we enjoy Ia oz. OF sub
stanlol nutriment, proportion equal TO tha
/ of bread. But. there is still greater result
/ for tea and coffee also contain white crystal
| line ingredient scientifically designated as tea
| inc and cofeine. Close analysis proves thes,
to be identical. Their peculiar effect upon tn,
human system is to produce an agreeab,
excitement of the nerves, Frightening nf thu
faculties, and an increased activity of fancy
Yet this stimulus is not like that produced b,
spirits of wine, but rather prevents intoxicalio'
and reveals itself in an increased aptitude TO
mental as well as physical labor. The digestion
is moderated thereby, and hence, they become
almost a necessity, where the other nourish
ment is insufficient, or where, by very rich food
the system is greatly excited. Popular ins,nc
quickly discovered this, and science has mere
" confirmed and explained these peculiaritie-
Hence it is that coffee has attained such wild
spread acceptance, and is continually becoming
more and more an article of prime necessity
1t is gradually taking the place of less nutrition
substances. owing to its richness and its com
parative cheapness and abundance. Anon
the working classes, in many countries, VIII
cannot afford daily meal of meat, the noon O
evening repast is often limited TO bread an
coffee, yet the people who live thus are bot
healthy and cheerful. All have felt its enliver
ing effect, whether their avocatiOns requir
physical or mental labor. 1t prevents tn
blood from accumulating on the brain, an
leaves the head clear and bright. When es
traordinary exer,ion and wakeiulness are neeC
ed for some emergency, strong coffee is tn
best antidote against drowsiness, as the foes
Frederick the Great once discovered to the
cost, when fragrant Mocha had enabled him
pass three days and nights without sleeping
This peculiar property makes it of the create
use 10 all whose pursuits require close and "
wildly active attention, to those in fine, VIII
to use our home-bred expression, are anxiol
= to keep "wlde awake" Hence. the Frent
have Justly called it the "ntellectual-drink
and students everywhere, will cordially accel
the phrase.-Mercantle journal.