The _Indians_, who have used this Drink time out of mind, prepared it without any great Art; they roasted their Kernels in earthen Pots, then ground them between two Stones, diluted them with hot Water, and season'd them with _Pimento_[1]: those who were more curious, added _Achiota_[2] to give it a Colour, and [3]_Attolla_ to augment its Substance. All these things joined together, gave to the Composition so strange a Look, and so odd a Taste, that a _Spanish_ Soldier said, it was more fit to be thrown to Hogs[4], than presented to Men; and that he could never have accustomed himself to it, if the want of Wine had not forced him to it, that he might not always be obliged to drink nothing but Water. The _Spaniards_[5] taught by the _Mexicans_, and convinced by their own Experience, that this Drink, as rustick as it appeared to them, nevertheless yielded very wholesome Nourishment; try'd to make it more agreeable by the Addition of Sugar, some Oriental Spices, and Things that grew there, which it will be needless to mention, because the Names of them are not so much as known here, and because of so many Ingredients, there is none continued down to us but _Vanilla_; in like manner, that Cinnamon[6] is the only Spice which has had general Approbation, and remains in the Composition of Chocolate. _Vanilla_ is a Cod of a brown Colour and delicate Smell; it is flatter and longer than our [_French_] Beans, it contains a luscious Substance, full of little black shining Grains. They must be chosen fresh, full, and well grown, and care must be taken that they are not smeared with Balsam, nor put in a moist Place. The agreeable Smell, and exquisite Taste that they communicate to Chocolate, have prodigiusly recommended it; but long Experience having taught that it heats very much, its Use is become less frequent, and those who prefer their Health more than pleasing their Senses, abstain from it entirely. In _Spain_ and _Italy_, Chocolate prepared without _Vanilla_, is called at present _Chocolate of Health_; and in the _French_ Islands of _America_, where _Vanilla_ is neither scarce nor dear, as in _Europe_, they do not use it at all, though they consume as much Chocolate there as in any other Place in the World. However, a great many People are prejudiced in favour of _Vanilla_, and that I may pay a due Deference to their Judgments, I shall employ _Vanilla_ in the Composition of _Chocolate_, in the best Method and Quantity, as it appears to me; I say, as it appears to me, because there are an infinite Variety of Tastes, and every one expects that we should have regard to his, and one Person is for adding what the other rejects. Besides, when it is agreed upon what things to put in, it is not possible to hit upon Proportions that will be universally approved; it will therefore be sufficient for me to make choice of such Things as the Majority are agreed upon, and consequently which are agreeable to the Tastes of most.