GRAPE CURE. A method of treatment of some diseases and conditions with a diet of which grapes form a very large part. This treatment is in vogue to some extent in France, but to a much greater extent in Germany and in Hun gary, in which countries, as well as in Austria and Switzerland, there are sanitariums at which the grape cure is systematically administered. Accord ing to Carriere, the cure formerly consisted of an exclusive diet of grapes, taken to repletion. It was usual to commence with a pound, and rapidly increase the amount to eight pounds a day. The first meal, consisting of a large amount of grapes, was eaten early in the bedroom. The second meal was taken in the vineyard, at breakfast time. The third meal, at noon, after the morning walk, consisted of bread and water. The fourth meal was taken early in the evening, and con sisted of grapes only. It has been found that an exclusive diet of grapes causes emaciation; while if meats and other food be added the patient gains. The modified grape cure now in vogue therefore includes a large quantity of grapes be fore breakfast, with bread, if preferred; a break fast, an hour later, of bread, tea, or coffee, or cocoa, and a broth; grapes again an hour before the midday meal, and again an hour before the evening meal.
Grapes differ much in composition; but Smith gives the following percentage for ripe, medium sized grapes: hyacinth, but differing in the globose or subeylin dries.] perianth, contracted at the mouth. The species are natives chiefly of the Mediterranean region and the warmer temperate parts of Asia.
From the experiments of Bichof and Voigt we learn that a diet of 400 grams of meat and 300 grams of grape-sugar caused a gain of 92 grams in weight in one who had lost 23 grams under a diet of 500 grams of meat and 200 grams of grape-sugar, and had lost 230 grams under a diet of 300 grams of meat and 100 grams of grape sugar. Therefore about 4 pounds of grapes daily, with nourishing meats and some bread, form the proper diet at a grape-cure establishment. The grape cure has been of advantage in diarrhwa, dysentery (non-amcebic), hemorrhoids, engorge ment of the spleen, and plethora of the portal system; and has caused improvement in cases of tuberculosis, gout, and some skin diseases. Un doubtedly regular habits of life, sufficient sleep, out-of-door life, climate, and water play a signifi cant part in all improvement secured from a grape cure.