2. =Spices= are those condiments which contain an aromatic oil, and which harmonize with sugar. They are, as a rule, less irritating to the stomach than those of the pepper group. Cinnamon, cloves, camphor, ginger, and curry powder are the chief of these. Curry powder really belongs to both the first and second divisions. When genuine, it is said to contain turmeric, cardamoms, ginger, allspice, cloves, black pepper, coriander, cayenne, and a few other substances. 3. =Flavouring agents=, such as vanilla, lemon peel, and fruit essences, are used to give a pleasant flavour to various dishes. 4. =Acidulous substances= are taken chiefly because of their sharp and agreeable taste. Vinegar is the chief acid employed. It is produced by the action of a fungus (_Mycoderma aceti_) on alcoholic liquids, as wine, or beer, C₂H₅OH (alcohol) becoming C₂H₄O₂ (acetic acid). It is also produced by the destructive distillation of wood. In small quantities it does not stop digestion, but, by exciting the nerves of taste, may be of actual service. It helps to soften the vegetable fibres in a salad; and is also useful for the same purpose with hard meats, as lobster, etc. In large quantities it diminishes the power to assimilate food. Good vinegar ought not to contain less than 3 per cent. of acetic acid; and sulphuric acid beyond 1 in 1000 in vinegar is to be regarded as an adulteration. A specific gravity below 1015 indicates the addition of water. Citric acid and lemon-juice are useful for their refreshing properties, and the latter also because of its alkaline salts. =Oils=, such as olive oil, have been sometimes classed under condiments, but as they have great nutritive properties, this is hardly accurate. For the same reason, =salt= is not classed under this head. BEVERAGES. Water is the universal beverage, and for healthy persons is preferable to any other. All other beverages necessarily contain it as their basis. It will be convenient to consider first aërated and other natural waters; then tea, coffee, and cocoa; and finally, alcohol.