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Phenol Ointment.—An informal sample of phenol ointment was 33.6
per cent. deficient in phenol, and a subsequent sample purchased from
the same vendor was 16.6 per cent. deficient. The vendor was cautioned.
Tincture of Quinine.—An informal sample of tincture of quinine was
found on analysis to be 16 per cent. deficient in ammonia, but a subsequent
formal sample purchased of the same vendor was found to be genuine.
Ammoniated Quinine Tablets.—A sample of ammoniated quinine
tablets was 37 per cent. deficient in ammonia, and on the attention of the
vendor being drawn to the result of the analysis the remainder of the
consignment was withdrawn from sale.
Blaud's Pills.—One sample of Blaud's pills, although containing the
full amount of iron, was found to be 18.5 per cent. deficient in ferrous
carbonate. The vendor's attention was drawn to the result of the analysis
and his existing stocks of the commodity were withdrawn from sale.
Fruit Cordials and Fruit Powders.—Thirty-two samples of fruit
cordials and powders were purchased, three of which were reported by
the public analysts to be adulterated.
One sample of lemon squash tablets consisted of an artificial preparation
in the form of lemon-flavoured tablets, made from sugar, tartaric acid
and sodium bicarbonate, intended apparently for making an effervescent
drink, and was wholly deficient in lemon juice. The vendor was communicated
with and an explanation from the manufacturers was
subsequently received. Following a discussion with the Medical Officer
of Health they intimated their intention to use only citric acid in the preparation
of their products in the future.
Two samples of lemonade powder were found on analysis to be
prepared from tartaric acid instead of citric acid. The vendors' attention
was called to the result of the analysis. The manufacturers subsequently
undertook to employ citric acid in the preparation of these articles.
Gelatine.—Two samples of gelatine were analysed and both were
adulterated.
A sample of leaf gelatine contained l/30th grain of arsenic per pound
and the sample of powdered gelatine 1/50th grain of arsenic per pound.
In each case the vendor was cautioned and asked to explain the presence
of arsenic. The same firm of manufacturers were concerned with both
these samples, and on their attention being drawn to the matter they at