the infusion of malt, of which beer is made. See BREWING. The uses of this infusion in common affairs are well known. By Dr M'Bride it has lately been found to have a strong antiseptic virtue, and to be useful in preventing the scurvy and other diseases to which sailors are liable; this was confirmed by Captain Cook in his voyages. See Means of Preserving the Health of SEAMEN.

It is of great importance to the manufacturer to be able to ascertain with facility and precision the real strength of worts, or the quantity of saccharine matter contained in the infusion. This is accomplished by determining the specific gravity by means of instruments, which, from the purpose to which they are applied, have obtained the name of saccharometers. But as these instruments, from the very nature of the material of which they are constructed, are liable to considerable change, the results which they afford cannot always be depended on. With the view of obviating these inconveniences, the patent areometrical beads have been invented by Mrs Lovi of Edinburgh. We have already noticed these beads on account of their accuracy, simplicity, and facility of application for ascertaining the specific gravity, or the real strength and value, of spiritious liquors. See vol. xix. p. 599.; and we now recommend them with greater confidence, from having had opportunities of knowing that they are capable of a more extended application, as in the manufacture of acids, and salts of different kinds; to ascertain the strength of acids, or that of saline solutions in bleaching; to determine the strength of liquids employed in the different processes of calico printing and dyeing, and not only for the purpose of examining the strength of the acids employed, but also particularly to ascertain the density or specific gravity of the colouring matters which are used in these arts, so that the same degree of shade required may be always obtained. It has been suggested, that these beads might be conveniently employed in determining the strength of mineral waters, which, it is well known, vary considerably at different seasons of the year.

As the patent beads are constructed on the same principle from 800, the specific gravity of alcohol, to 2000, which is double the specific gravity of water; and as they are divided into different series, each of which includes a range of specific gravities applicable to the particular fluids, the density or strength of which is required, we have no hesitation in asserting that they will be found extremely convenient and useful to all manufacturers and dealers, who wish to ascertain with accuracy the real strength and value of liquids.

It has been objected to the use of these beads, that they require a longer time than other instruments in using them. The same objection has been made to the introduction of other new instruments, the application of which frequent use has afterwards rendered familiar and easy. We have had opportunities of knowing that this objection is completely obviated, by those who have been accustomed to use the beads. They find that they can determine the specific gravity of a liquid by means of the beads with the same facility, and in as short a time, as with any other instrument.