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8
Chemical Impurities.
The quantity of ammonia rarely exceeds half a
grain in 100 feet of gas, the maximum quantity allowed
by Act of Parliament being five grains. The last
testing (which can properly be included in this Report)
showed .42 of a grain only in 100 cubic feet of gas.
At the same period the sulphur tests gave the
following results:—
May 26, 1870, 19 grns. sulph. in 100 cubic it. gas.
„ 27, ,, 26 „ 100 ,,
„ 30, „ 19-8 „ 100 ,,
Average quantity of sulphur 21-6 grains.
With regard to the sulphur impurity, I may state
that the difficulty to exclude it from gas is so great that
the latest Act which applies to the City Gas Companies
only, does not specify the maximum quantity of sulphur
which may be present in gas, but leaves the quantity to
be settled from time to time by the referees.
The new apparatus at the local testing house is
now complete. The photometer consists of Letheby's
modification of Bunsen's, adapted for two candles
instead of one as hitherto. The new apparatus for
testing chemical impurities is now also complete; these
have been supplied by the Commercial Gas Company
at my suggestion.
I have the honor to remain,
Gentlemen,
Your most obedient Servant,
M. CORNER, M.D.,
Medical Officer of Health.