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180
sulphate. In this way, wines which would otherwise
be unfit for the English market on account of their
acidity, are rendered fairly palatable.
Is "plastering "adulteration? If a man desire
a genuine wine, yes; but if wine be deemed a manufactured
article, no. Although I shall always make
mention of the presence of potassium sulphate, I shall
not consider it an adulteration unless it be distinctly
stated that nothing has been added but what is found
in the juice of the grape. Both of these wines are
strongly fortified; too much so for health. They
contain respectively 38. and 39. per cent.of proofspirit.
For the sake of those who are not acquainted
with the term proof-spirit, I may mention that it is
defined by an Act of Parliament to be "such as shall
at the temperature of 51 degs. weigh exactly twelvethirteenth
parts of an equal measure of distillec
water." It consists of alcohol of 49.4 by weight, and
of water 50.6, and indicates alcohol of Sp. Gr. 0.9
at 60 degs. The term derives its origin from the rude
method of proof formerly in use, in which gunpowder
was moistened with the spirit to be tried, and th
alcohol inflamed; if it fired the powder, it was said
to be over proof, but if the spirit burnt off and le
the powder damp, it was considered to be under proo