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allowing the liquid to remain in contact with metallic copper in the presence of air,
the sugar in the liquid rendering the salt soluble. The explanation of the presence of
the copper, from what the manufacturer stated, appeared to be, that on a certain date
a portion of the drink had been made in an apparatus, constructed partly of copper,
which had not been in use for several months; during the time the apparatus was out
of use some of the copper salt referred to by Dr. Stevenson had doubless collected on
the interior of the apparatus and had been taken into solution in the portion of the
drink manufactured in the apparatus when it was brought into use again. The
remainder of the drink made on the particular date in a different npparatus was found
not to give rise to any of the symptoms complained of.
SALE OF FOOD AND DRUGS.
The reports of the Public Analyst, copies of which are appended, shew that during
the year 207 samples were submitted to him for analysis by inspector Quelch.
Of these 90 were samples of milk, 45 of butter, 18 of coffee, 12 of linseed meal, 9 of
ale, 9 of porter, 6 of pepper, 6 of mustard, 6 of cocoa, and 6 of cheese.
Eighteen of the samples of milk taken, or 20 per cent., were found to be adulterated,
or not of proper quality, and in ten other instances the samples were found to
contain water beyond the normal amount, varying from three to seven per cent. In
two instances traces of boracic acid, or a preparation thereof, were found, and in two
other cases artificial colouring matter had been added. Proceedings before the
magistrate were taken in 17 cases, and in 14 cases the offenders were convicted. Of
the samples of butter taken, 10, or just over 22 per cent., were found to be adulterated.
In nine instances legal proceedings were taken, and in eight convictions were
obtained.
Two of the samples of coffee taken were found to be adulterated with chicory.
In one of these cases proceedings were taken, resulting in a conviction, and in the
other it was considered that the vendor could be held to be protected by a label to the
effect that the coffee was sold as a mixture, and it was not deemed advisable to
institute proceedings.
In consequence of the large number of cases of arsenical poisoning in the Midlands,
through the consumption of beer, in the manufacture of which chemicals containing
arsenic as an impurity had been used, it was thought advisable to sample the
beers consumed in Shoreditch, and samples of the ales and porters supplied by the
various breweries were taken. The results on analysis are as set forth in the
Analyst's reports. No arsenic was found.
In one case, in which proceedings were taken against a woman, a shopkeeper in a
small way of business, it came out in the evidence that she had sold the article, which