Attention has already been called to the fact that in South America, among the Indians, the coca leaf is used chiefly by chewing. In this form it cannot be regarded as a beverage. The use of the coca leaf in medicine is well known, or rather the alkaloid derived from it, namely: cocain. Cocain is a drug which is highly prized in the treatment of many diseases, and especially is it valued as a local anaesthetic. The application of cocain deadens the sensibilities of the nerves, and often in this way it relieves great suffering and distress. It also so diminishes the nervous sensibilities as to render possible small minor surgical operations without much pain. Thus when locally applied it takes the place of a general anaesthetic, such as chloroform or ether. In the form of a beverage it is nearly always offered in combination with wine, or diluted alcohol, called wine. A preparation of coca wine was recognized in the United States Pharmacopoeia 8th decennial revision as a standard remedy, the strength of which is definitely prescribed. This preparation was omitted in the 9th decennial revision issued September 1, 1916.

It has been found that more than a hundred wines, bearing different names, have, in the past, been used as a vehicle for the administration of cocain without the knowledge on the part of the consumer. Among the most widely used of these preparations was Vin Mariani.

The injury from the use of a habit-forming drug, such as cocain in alcoholic solution, cannot be overestimated. In using any form of wine there is a double danger to be apprehended; first, on account of the wine itself being a pleasant and desirable beverage, and; second, on account of its other constituents and of the alcohol which it contains; and in addition thereto the preparation becomes dangerous by reason of the cocain extracted from the coca leaves.

Since the passage of the Foods and Drugs Act preparations of this kind, when used medicinally, as most of them are, are required to bear upon the label a statement of the quantity of cocain which they contain. This wise provision, in so far as protecting the innocent person is concerned from forming the habit, does not, however, protect those who have already formed the habit, but rather acts as a guide to enable them to secure the article desired. A better regulation to govern the consumption of cocain in this way is the federal law regulating commerce in opium and cocain, now in force. The use of beverages containing cocain, except for strictly medicinal purposes, is entirely prohibited. The decocainized leaves, by a special provision of the law may be used in the preparation of a beverage. Such a preparation is used in the manufacture of coca cola under the name of Merchandise No. 5.