1892 Drinks of the world

DRINKS.

29s

It contains a crystalline bitter principle which can be separated from it by alcohol. Like Theine^ it is an alkaloid, and is called Cocaine ; but it is not harmless, as, in many particulars, and in its physiological action upon the system, it resembles Atropine^ the alkaloid of the deadly nightshade. It also has a tannic acid, which gives a deep brownish green colour to the per salts of iron. So we see in its constituents it closely resembles the Thea Sinensis^ only it is more powerful in its effects on the human frame, and, consequently, ought not to be taken in the same quantity as we now take tea, but it is invaluable in preventing, or greatly diminishing, the ordinary and natural waste which usually accompanies bodily exer-

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