The whole subject of essences was studied by the French Academy of Medicine, and they were divided into two chief classes.

First, these essences which present a character particularly noxious; these being subjects of the absolute prescription.

Second, those of a relatively inferior degree of toxicity, of which the use may become dangerous, and, therefore, they are subjects of special regulation.

Among the essences which should be excluded from beverages entirely, according to the report of the Academy of Medicine, are the following:

Grand absinth.

Small absinth. Badiane. Angustura.

Queen of the Meadow. Salicylic aldehyde. Oil of Wintergreen. Mythl salicylate.

Stones of fruit containing benzoic aldehyde and prussic acid, such as bitter almonds. Rue.

The French Academy of Medicine makes the following comment on the first category:

"This category comprises the principal essences entering into the fundamental composition of liqueurs, especially those which are so commonly advertised as aperitifs (appetizers); they constitute the most dangerous class of beverages, and at the same

/ time are those which predominate in habitual consumption. It is sufficient to place at the head of the list of these essences, the one that merits the position in every respect, but especially by its superior toxicity and characteristics, namely absinth."