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found, but the cocoa-nut chips on the exterior of the gums were somewhat
rancid, and when extracted with ether yielded a residue having a
sickly odour indicating sourness. The stock of gums was given up and
destroyed.
Borax.—Ten samples were taken, three contained arsenic, as
follows: 125, 75 and 30 parts per million of borax respectively, and one
consisted of potash alum. Cautionary letters were sent to the vendors.
Dr. MacFadden, of the Local Government Board, reported in 1907
on the presence of lead and arsenic in cream of tartar, and stated that
satisfactory limits were fairly recognised by both the manufacturers and
analysts. The limit with regard to arsenic is 1.4 parts on arsenious
oxide per million (1/1000th part of a grain per lb.), this figure being
based on the recommendation of the Royal Commission of Arsenical
Poisoning.
Martin dale and Wynn Westcott (Extra Pharmacopoeia, 15th edition,
1912) state that the present limit of contamination by arsenic in drugs
is taken as xg-ths of a grain of white arsenic per lb. (about 4 parts per
million). They think that for drugs given in small doses this limit might
be adopted. This is looked upon as a fair standard in Southall's
Laboratory Eeport for 1912, in which it is reported that 40 samples of
borax had been examined and the arsenic varied from 0 to 160 parts
per million.
The Local Government Board, in their report for 1911-12, state
that during that period 31 samples of borax had been taken by local
authorities and 12 were reported against. These samples contained,
respectively, as much as 20, 50 (four samples), 70 and 130 parts,
while five others showed the very large proportion of 200 parts per
million. Proceedings were taken in Birmingham in respect of three
samples; one had been purchased from a drysalter, and the case
against him was dismissed; two samples had been bought from a
chemist, who had labelled them "Finest English Borax," he was fined
5s. and costs.
In view of the extensive use which is made of borax and borax
compounds, it seems desirable that when it is to be used as a drug for
internal administration, or is likely to be added to food, the amount of
arsenic should be limited to the amount suggested above.