London encyclopaedia Volume 9; or, Universal dictionary of science, art, literature and practical mechanics. comprising a popular view of the present state of knowledge - Softcover

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1829 Excerpt: ...One of the ill effects produced by an unsalted diet is the generation of worms. Mr. Marshall has published the case of a lady who had a natural antipathy to salt, and was in consequence most dreadfully infested with worms during the whole of her life.--(London Medical and Physical Journal, vol. xxix. No. 231). In Ireland, where, from the bad quality of the food, the lower classes are greatly infested with worms, a draught of salt and water is a popular and efficacious anthelmintic. Lord Somerville, in his Address to the Board of Agriculture, gave an interesting account of the effects of a punishment which formerly existed in Holland. 'The ancient laws of the country ordained men to be kept on bread alone, unmixed with salt, as the severest punishment that could be inflicted upon them in their moist climate. The effect was horrible; these wretched criminals are said to have been devoured by worms engendered in their own stomachs.' The wholesomeness and digestibility of our bread are undoubtedly much promoted by the addition of salt which it so universally receives. 'An excess of salt is,' however, we are told, 'as injurious as its moderate application is salutary. This observation applies with as much force to the vegetable as to the animal kingdom; a small proportion, applied as a manure, promotes vegetation in a very remarkable manner; whereas a larger quantity actually destroys it The experiments of Sir John Pringle have also shown, that a little salt will accelerate putrefaction, and a large quantity prevent it. In explaining the operation of salting meat, and in appreciating the effects of such meat as food, it will be necessary to advert to a chemical fact which has not hitherto attracted the attention which its importance merits. The salt thus combine...