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63 drugs were examined, and 16, or 25 per cent., were reported as adulterated. Of
these, two samples of Ammoniated Quinine Tablets contained no ammonia, and two others
were 28 per cent, deficient in that drug. Two samples of Glauber's Salts were 41 and 47 per
cent, respectively deficient in water. When this salt loses water, its volume alters
considerably, so that people are unaware of the dose of purgative which they are taking.
Two samples of mercury ointment contained less than 5 per cent, of mercury, instead
of 30 per cent, as required by the British Pharmacopoeia. Of twelve samples of mercury
ointment asked for during the last two years, four have been genuine, five have contained one
third of the required amount of mercury, two have contained less than one fifth, and the last
sample contained a tenth of the stipulated quantity. Sometimes the samples have been
labelled indicating their inferior strength, but not usually. In any case, a discreet enquiry
by the pharmacist would soon ascertain the probable type of "Mercury ointment" required,
though it must be remembered that there is only one official ointment. So far, no action has
been taken against the vendors of any of these preparations, but the danger attaching to the
use of preparations of such variability will be appreciated by most, particularly by doctors.
Five samples of carbolic ointment have been condemned on account of a deficiency of
carbolic acid. Prosecutions have been instituted in four instances, and in the first case a
conviction was secured. Three other cases were heard at the same time, and the defendants
joined forces for their defence. In order to upset the certificates of your Analyst, three expert
witnesses were secured, namely the Secretary of the Pharmacopoeia Committee of the General
Medical Council, a member of the Pharmacopoeia Commission, and a third, who besides being
a member of the Pharmaceutical Chemistry Sub-Committee of the Pharmacopoeia Commission,
is also Editor of the British Pharmaceutical Codex and of the " Extra-Pharmacopoeia." One
can only remark that the experience of these experts is not in accordance with that of your
Analyst, and express the hope, that now that the Pharmacopoeia Commission has had its
attention drawn to the unsatisfactory position, it will state its requirements more definitely
in the forthcoming supplement to the Pharmacopoeia.
A sample of Orange and Quinine Wine Tonic (Triple Strength) was found to contain
only 0.03 per cent, of quinine, whereas ordinary Quinine Wine contains 0.23 per cent, of
quinine, and a summons was therefore taken out against the vendor.
The magistrate expressed the opinion in the cases both of the carbolic ointment and
the orange and quinine wine that the Borough Council had only performed a public duty in
bringing the actions.