Absinthe

an alcoholic beverage. It is prepared from alcohol by the addition of oil of wormwood and other aromatic oils, particularly the oil of anise. Its characteristic constitutent, however, is the somewhat poisonous oil of wormwood, to which the deleterious properties of the cordial are attributable. The green color of the liquor, due in part to the oil of wormwood, is heightened by the addition of the juice of spinach, nettles, or parsley. Most samples of absinthe also contain sugar. On the addition of water the essential oils are thrown out of solution and the liquid becomes turbid. The cordial is taken by adding a small portion to a glass of water. It is consumed largely in France, but its use has extended to England and America. Absinthe is considered a pernicious beverage. It is believed to undermine the system, to bring on the alcohol habit, and to produce dementia more rapidly and certainly than any other liquor known. Its use is increasing rapidly. The sales in France for 1905 amounted to 4,557,529 gallons. French scientists speak of absinthe as the "green peril." The French government forbids its use by officers of the army and navy, and Switzerland forbids its manufacture or sale. See Alcohol; Artemisia