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146
DRUGS.
Forty.seven samples of drugs were taken, of which 5, or 10.6 per cent.,
were adulterated or not up to standard. Those reported against included
two of purified cream of tartar and three of iron pills.
The samples of purified cream of tartar, Nos. 332 and 376, were certified
to contain 1.75 and 1.22 grains of lead per pound respectively. The vendor
of No. 376 was prosecuted and fined £5 and 17s. 6d. expenses. Sample
No. 332 was taken informally.
In the cases of the iron pills, one contained no ferrous carbonate and the
other two were deficient of that ingredient to the extent of 25 per cent. and
50 per cent. respectively. One of the vendors was cautioned. The other two
samples had been taken informally.

It will be seen from the above that there has been a progressive increase in
the proportion of drug adulteration discovered during the past five years.
It is stated in the last published Report of the Local Government Board
that during 1905 the percentage of adulterated drugs found was 8.4 in the
Metropolis and 9.0 in England and Wales. It is disappointing to find that
after six years' energetic efforts in the administration of the Sale of Food and
Drugs Acts this form of adulteration should be apparently increasing
instead of decreasing.
Many drugs in common use are liable to deteriorate with age, and
chemists, therefore, should be careful to see to the condition of their stock of
such preparations.