This article about chocolate was published in 1840. It contains a wonderful example of the odd proclivity of our ancestors to ascribe medicinal value to practically anything. Then again, what if chocolate really is a valuable medicine? Read closely just in case - but be sure to check with a physician before attempting to treat any serious problem (and especially heart attack or stroke) with chocolate. —fadedpages.com

THOUGH tea and coffee are the most generally-used breakfasting materials, chocolate is a very important article of consumption; for it not only equals either of the above-named materials in flavor, but is, also, infinitely superior to them both in its nutritious qualities. For persons suffering from illness or debility, it is a most valuable restorative and nutriment; and many invalids have derived immense good from their use of it.

This useful and valuable article is made from the nuts of the cocoa tree—a tree which, in appearance, bears some resemblance to our cherry tree, and which is very largely cultivated in South America and in the West Indies. The leaves of this tree are somewhat like those of the orange tree, and are remarkable for the great numbers in which they ornament each tree. The nuts are contained, to the number of twenty-five or thirty, in each bundle of the fruit which grows on this tree. Beside being thus enclosed, the nuts have each another covering, in the form of a thin and yellowish skin or husk. These nuts being pressed, and properly prepared, are afterward made up into cakes, in the form in which we receive the chocolate. The nuts, in the process of being pressed, yield an oil which has very little scent or taste, but which is used in the manufacture of some oleaginous cosmetics.

Chocolate is now very generally, if not universally, known and used in Europe; but it was originally introduced there by the Spaniards, who necessarily were the earliest Europeans acquainted with it, as they were the first acquainted with South America itself.

Warning - This information has been transcribed from a source that is well over 100 years old. It may be incorrect or outdated in some cases. It is also possible that errors were made during the transcription process. This information is being made available for entertainment purposes only.