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280
1913]
of milk, or may refuse to enter upon such register the name of any person
carrying on or proposing to carry on the trade of a dairyman or purveyor of
milk upon premises which are, in the opinion of such sanitary authority, for
any reason unsuitable for the sale of milk therein. Provided that for the
purposes of this section premises shall not be deemed to be unsuitable for the
sale of milk therein on any ground inconsistent with the provisions or requirements
of any order or regulation made under any enactment for the time being
in force and applicable to such premises."
In this case the Public Health Committee are advised that this section is
only operative where the premises themselves are in such a state as to be likely
to contaminate the milk. It is true that the original Bill was drafted with the
object of preventing the sale of milk in a shop where goods were sold which
were likely to contaminate the milk. The London County Council was
appealed to on the subject, and the Medical Officer of Health received a letter
from their solicitor stating that the meaning of the section was one that should
be decided in the High Court.
It is not likely that any sanitary authority will lightly undertake such a
task, for the fact that the London County Council's legal adviser seems to be
doubtful of the power which the section confers on it would be sufficient proof
to most minds that it did not carry out the intentions of the framers of the
measure.
THE ADULTERATION OF FOODS AND DRUGS.
From the earliest ages men have ever been found who, for the purpose ot
gain, did not scruple to adulterate the food of the people or substitute an
inferior article for the one required. There are numerous references to adulteration
in the classics, and Pliny tells us that flour could not be obtained in
a state of purity even by wealthy persons, for it was mixed with white clay. In
ancient Athens and Rome wine was adulterated with colouring and flavouring
agents, and to such an extent was it carried on that special inspectors were
appointed to look after it. It would be interesting, but it would occupy too
much space, to follow the course of adulteration in ancient times, but it would
be useful, however, to understand something of the history of adulteration
in this country.
As early as the days of King John proclamation was made a legal
obligation of Assize as regards bread, so that its proper weight and quality
might be assured. In the reign of Henry III. which followed, a statute was