View report page

87
DRUGS.
Twenty-six samples of drugs were examined and, except for the sample
of Zinc Ointment, were all reported as genuine. The sample of zinc
ointment was 4 per cent, deficient in zinc oxide, containing only 14.4
per cent, instead of 15 per cent, as demanded by the British Pharmacopoeia.
This is not a serious deficiency from the medical aspect, but
drugs should be of the required standard. Several samples of drugs
were sold under fancy names or by names, which implied that a declaration
of their drug content was being given, but which did not do so in reality.
Your Analyst is of the opinion that the composition of all drugs should
be declared to the purchaser, unless sold or dispensed to the order of a
physician. It cannot be claimed that young girls in chain stores have any
knowledge of the drugs, which they sell, or that they are in a position
to give any advice to the purchasers. The responsibility, therefore, for
knowing what they are buying must, or should, rest on the purchaser,
who should have a claim against the manufacturer, if the goods are not
of the nature demanded.
I have the honour to be,
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
THOMAS McLACHLAN, A.C.G.F.C., F.I.C.
Public Analyst.