It is very difficult to undertake a description of the beverages in common use without digressing into the realm of hygiene and physiology, and it is still more difficult to do so without considering the ethical aspects of the question. I wish it to be understood, first of all, that the object of this book is not to discuss chiefly questions of health or hygiene, nor of ethics, although this may be done occasionally by way of incidental remarks. The object of this volume is to describe the common beverages which we consume. It is important to know their origin, their methods of manufacture, their composition, and the proper conditions attending their transportation and use. It is important that the informed citizen should know something of the nature of these beverages other than that presented by their commercial aspect. Especially should he know the difficulties which attend the securing of a water supply suitable for potable purposes. The various methods which have been practised of securing this water supply, as well as the causes of contamination, will be developed to a considerable extent because of their vital importance to human welfare.

In so far as possible the personal experience of the author has been called upon to furnish the principal data of this volume.

It is not difficult, however, to imagine that no one person could, even if he made a life-long specialty of the study, become personally acquainted with all phases of the great industries connected with the beverages of mankind. I have therefore endeavored, in so far as I could, to draw my information other than that obtained from personal experience and investigation from reliable sources.