USES OF SUGAR.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 70, 21 February 1918, Page 4

USES OF SUGAR.

Improvements in the processes of refining sugar have led to an extension of the use of this material in many directions—(i) As a preservative, in the preservation of fruits and vegetables, of condensed milk; it is mixed with flour to preserve it, as well as with tea and with coffee. It is used in preserving flowers, and even of wood. It is sometimes used for diluting aniline colors. Its most familiar use is, of course, as a condiment in many food preparations, such as cakes, confectionery, and carbonated beverages. It must be remembered, however, that sugar is of value apart from its agreeable taste; it is a one hundred per cent, fuel food. (2) As a matrix or medium for extractive processes, as in the case of phosphate of lime from dolomite and calamine, as well as in the liming of hides. (3) As a factor in various compounds, sugar enters into the manufacture of Chinese cement and of various explosives. (4) As a reducing agent it is used in the manufacture of carbon monoxide and sulphurous acid and in the manufacture of mirrors. (5) As a raw material sugar is used in many industries, such as the manufacture of alcohol, artificial ciders, vinegar, whey, a number of organic acids, such as acetic, lactic, metacetonic, formic, butyric, levulic, tartaric and saccharic. In the synthetic production of a number of compounds sugar serve;; as the starting-point; some of these are acetone, acetic saccharose, arsenic saccharose, and hexa-benzoic saccharose. (6) In the preparation of various kinds of sealing-waxes, copying-inks, hektograph inks, liquid-glue, transparent soap, cloth' finishes, leather dressings, and other materials in common use, sugar plays an important part. In forty years, from 1870 to 1910, the world's consumption of sugar has increased from less than 'Cwo and a half million long io oy.ej seven-, teen million tons.