The continued favor which has been shown to my book entitled "Foods; and Their Adulterations" inspires the hope that this volume which is a companion to the food volume will receive equal support.

In view of the fact that the sentiment for prohibition has gained so rapidly in the country as to result in the submission of a constitutional amendment, for national prohibition, to the legislatures of the several states for ratification, many have suggested that a description of alcoholic beverages may be out of place. Just the contrary is the case. The American citizen who desires all the information possible in making up his mind on this question will certainly be helped by a knowledge of the origin, manufacture, chemical composition and geographical distribution of the various forms of alcoholic beverages, both fermented and distilled.

The rapidly increasing use of fruit juices demands a prominent place in this volume,, for their description and composition. The many types of so-called soft drinks, which will undoubtedly have a greater vogue as the area in which alcoholic beverages are manufactured and sold decreases, warrant a rather full description of them here. The so-called medicines which consist chiefly of alcohol, and which are held by the Bureau of Internal Revenue as non-medicinal but alcoholic, are fully described.

Proper space is also given to a discussion of our most popular beverage, coffee, and its related products, tea, cocoa and chocolate.

Water is the typical beverage and in the hope of its coming into more general use it occupies the place of honor in this volume. With potable water, naturally, mineral waters both artificial and natural are included. Milk, another national beverage, has already been described in the volume on "Foods; and Their Adulterations."

With each subject treated are described the common adulterations and misbrandings which may be practised therewith.

Every endeavor has been made to secure accuracy of statements and data. The latter are taken chiefly from official sources. It should be understood that this book was not written for the scientific investigator but for the average, sober-minded, reasonably well-educated American citizen, who is daily taking a greater and deeper interest in what he eats and drinks. .

Harvey W. Wiley. Washington, D. C.