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1
REPORT
upon
MILK SAMPLE "No. 53"
and
The Prosecution thereon ordered by the VESTRY OF
ST. JAMES'S, WESTMINSTER, October, 1897.
by
Dr. EDMUNDS, Public Analyst.
Also Copies of Resolutions passed by the Public Health
Committee and adopted unanimously by the Vestry.
(Vide page 28.)
[Printed by order of the Public Health Committee.]
INTRODUCTORY NOTES.
This milk was taken on behalf of the Vestry of St. James's,
Westminster. The sample was divided into three portions,
which were analysed independently by three different
Analysts, and their certified results are tabulated at pages 4-5.
It will be seen that:—
1. All the certificates agreed as to the percentage of
total milk-solids contained in the sample. All agreed that
the sample had been adulterated with water.
2. In regard to the proportions of the fatty and nonfatty
milk-solids, the certificates by myself and the
Government Laboratory agreed. But the Vendor's Analyst
allotted a larger proportion to the fatty, and a smaller
proportion to the non-fatty solids.
3. In regard to the percentage of added water, the
certificates all varied.
As between myself and the Government Laboratory,
this variation arose from comparing the adulterated
sample with different standards of milk. This being an
unreal difference, it disappeared when the sample was
compared with the same standard.
The Vendor's Analyst certified to a larger percentage
of added water. This arose from his having allotted a
larger proportion of the milk-solids to fat, and a smaller
percentage to the non-fatty solids upon which he judged
the milk. This difference would not have arisen had the
milk been judged on its aggregate milk-solids.
4. The standards of comparison used by the Vendor's
Analyst and the Government Laboratory were the same,