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24
SANITARY CHRONICLES, 1894.
There was also much extra clerical work in connection
with the scarlet fever epidemic of 1803, particularly in the
preparation of the accounts relating to the cost of
furniture, and to the distribution of the furniture to the
various Hospitals of the Metropolitan Asylums Board,
besides which, in connection with the smallpox outbreaks
in Portland Town and the Lisson Grove district, there were
daily written communications to all the schools and hospitals
in the district, and constant messages through the telephone,
and interviews with the parents and the friends.of patients
in Hospital.
THE LABORATORY. SALE OF FOOD AND
DRUGS ACTS.
During 1894, 570 samples of food, drink, and drugs were
analysed under the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts, in the
Court House Laboratory.
Milk.—The system of constantly supervising the milk
supply of the parish has been maintained. During 1894
the Inspectors freely used agents in order to meet the
objection that they were personally known to the vendors.
Samples were also several times purchased on Sundays,
and on holidays, yet, notwithstanding, only 15 samples
out of 208 were found to be adulterated. Out of the
remaining 193 samples some eight or ten were very poor,
the rest of fair quality.
Butter.—In one case only was Margarine found to be
sold as butter.
Spirits.—Out of 75 samples of spirits, only 5 were
found to be diluted below the strength laid down by statute.
From the prosecutions under the Sale of Food and
Drugs Acts, on account of the smallness of the fines inflicted,
only £19 were recovered by the Vestry.
The table at page 34 shows the variety of substances
analysed and the general result of the analyses. My own
impression is that in comparison with most other districts
there is little adulteration in St. Marylebone, but this is a