Note 655 — PHARMACOLOGIA. (continued 7)

Sugar, perfectly free from the extractive matter with which it exists in combination in nature, and which constitutes that compound to which the name of Sweet Principle has been given, will not, however diluted, undergo any kind of fermentation; for it is the presence of this peculiar extractive matter, the natural leaven of fruits, that enables it to undergo that process; since, however, all clayed sugars, or modifications of sugar which are short of perfect purity, still contain a small proportion of this extractive, they are capable of fermenting, when sufficiently dilute; Dr. Maccullough, in his essay on the art of making wine, observes, that by the addition of a very small quantity of the Sulphite of Potass, the fermentation of syrups and preserves may be effectually prevented; he states also, that the same object may generally be attained by the use of Oxy-muriate of Potass, a salt absolutely tasteless, and easily procured.