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175
These figures shew very clearly that a mineral substance
is largely employed to produce the polish on the
granules that is a familiar feature of so many samples of
rice at the present time.
The chemical examination of the extraneous mineral
matter shewed it to consist of a crude magnesium silicate
similar in composition to French Chalk, Steatite, or Talc.
From experiments made in the laboratory it was ascertained
that this surface polish could be almost entirely
removed by washing, but at the same time it must be
admitted that the process is absolutely unnecessary, inasmuch
as there are other methods not open to the same
objection and, moreover, there is no reason, apart from the
whims of certain purchasers why the grains should not be
left with their natural surface, as indeed is the practice of
some of the chief rice-eating nations, notably Japan.
Milk and Butter are again the articles most seriously
adulterated. The percentage of adulteration for the year
in the case of Milk was 8.8, compared with 9.2 for the
preceding year.
In the case of Butter the percentage of adulteration
again shews an increase, reaching the figure of 24.5 as
compared with 13.7 for last year.
The percentage of adulteration calculated from the
Local Government Board Returns for the whole
Metropolis for the year 1904 was 12.5 per cent. in the
case of Milk and 8.2 per cent. for Butter.
In addition to the articles taken under the Sale of
Food and Drugs Acts, I have examined one sample of
Water and two samples of Carbolic Powder submitted
by the Borough Surveyor.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
P. A. ELLIS RICHARDS, F.I.C.,
Public Analyst.
Chemical Laboratory,
Charing Cross Hospital,
W.C.