View report page

78
In the first case (S 1) a dose of 5.2 grains, containing 1.1 grains of
mercury was supplied, and in the second case (S 2) a dose of 3.7 grains, containing
0.2 grain of mercury, was obtained, the quantity of mercury being
5½ times greater in one case than in the other, while the powders were deficient
in their proportion of mercury to the extent given above.
Prescriptions specifying Grey Powder were presented in obtaining further
formal samples, when the vendor of S 1 supplied Grey Powder of the correct
B.P. strength, while from the vendor of S 2 none was obtainable.
K 63 Sweet Spirit of Nitre (Informal). 3.0 per cent. deficient in
alcohol and 32.9 per cent. deficient in ethyl nitrite.
K 67 Sweet Spirit of Nitre (Informal). 2.4 per cent. deficient in
alcohol and 30.9 per cent. deficient in ethyl nitrite.
Repeat formal samples taken from the same vendors were found to be of
the required strength.
F 126 Sal Volatile (Informal). Contained 1.5 per cent. of chloroform
and was 8.2 per cent. deficient in alcohol. Specific gravity
0.924 at 60° F.
F 152 Sal Volatile (Same vendor). Contained 2.5 per cent. of
chloroform and was 10.1 per cent. deficient in alcohol. Specific
gravity 0.930 at 60° F.
Vendor fined £5 with £5 5s. costs.
It was stated that the presence of the chloroform could not be accounted
for. A possible explanation is that, before the informal sample had been
taken, the stock had been made up by the addition of a Sal Volatile mixture,
in the manufacture of which Spirit of Chloroform (alcohol containing 5 per
cent. chloroform) had been used instead of alcohol. When the formal sample
was taken there was not sufficient in the bottle, but the required quantity was
supplied, more of this mixture presumably being added. A medicinal dose
of this Sal Volatile would contain a medicinal dose of chloroform.
Dispensed Medicines (National Health Insurance Act).
23 samples were analysed, of these 4 were found to be unsatisfactory.
J 26 Potassium Bromide Mixture (Informal). 34.8 per cent.
deficient in potassium bromide.