1910 Jack's Manual by J A Grohusko

MOSELLE. Moselle as a highly etheral wine is also very useful in cases of cerebral and cardiac exhaustion, it stimulates the action of the liver and kidneys, and is generally credited with being otherwise beneficial. It is said to be anti-dia- betic, and does not increase the gouty tendency. HOCKS. Hocks have great fragrance and vinosity and are pre- eminently the wines most suitable for intellectual enjoy- ment, as they are particularly exhilarating and increase the appetite. Being of light alcoholic strength but rich in vola- tile ethers, they are exceedingly efficacious, and do not (like Clarets) so quickly spoil after opening. The finer qualities widely differ in flavour from each other, and being rich in ethers are much valued as a stimu- lant in sustaining the nervous force of the heart, while its enfeebled muscular tissue has time in which to recuperate. For serious nervous prostration their value as a remedy can hardly be over estimated; their beneficial effects being strikingly exhibited in bringing back a stronger and steadier heartbeat, thus calming any attendant irritability which is of the utmost importance to the patient. SHERRY. There are no wines which can compare with genuine Sherry, either in generous character, delicacy of flavor or dietetic, value. It represents about the highest development of quality in wine, is distinguished by freedom from acidity, sugar extractive matter, and has a high proportion of vola- tile ethers. These compound vinous ethers (to which Wine of a certain class and age owes the greater part of its flavor and bouquet) have a scarcely less important influence in advancing the quality of wine than in providing a valu- able stimulant to the vital functions in cases of cerebral and cardiac exhaustion. It relieves that condition of sleeplessness consequent upon slow and inefficient digestion, of old age. It is also beneficial in the later stages of severe febrile diseases, with great exhaustion and sleeplessness. A really good and pure Sherry has the same effect in rapidly restoring strength and regularity to the heart's action in certain forms of chronic neuroses — also in those severe neuralgic affections which so seriously affect the system. The older bottled wines and those having the greatest amount of ethers are most effective. The finest wine that can be procured for money is just that which will give the best effect with the least possible delay. It must not be for- gotten that the . influence of such wine is entirely distinct from that of mere alcohol. In Spain, where its qualities are well known, it is regu- larly used by physicians as a restorative in cases of collapse after surgical operations.