"The Cacao Tree," in Hans Sloane, Voyage to the islands Madera, Barbados, Nieves, S. Christophers and Jamaica (London, 1707-1725)
Hans Sloane was a physician, naturalist, and collector of over 71,000 items. He served elite royal patients and was president of the Royal Society. His collection, which he bequeathed to the British nation after his death, was the foundation for the British Museum and British Library. Sloane transformed traditional bitter chocolate drinks that were consumed by Native Americans mixed with water. He added milk and sugar and recommended this sweet milky chocolate drink as a medical treatment for many common illnesses. The engraving of the cacao tree shows the fruit in great detail. (SS)
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