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112
The British Pharmacopoeia, 1914, required grey powder to contain
33 per cent. of mercury ; the new 1932 Pharmacopoeia still requires from
31 to 35 per cent. of mercury. Grey powder is prescribed especially for
children, and the authorities responsible have seen no reason to alter the
composition since 1914.
In a letter to the Pharmaceutical Society, the Medical Officer of Health
observed that " it is apparently a practice to add chalk or sugar of milk."
In reply it was stated that " if the sampling officer asked for Grey Powder
then there is no question but that he should have been supplied with the
Pharmacopoeia article. On the other hand, if he asked for six grey powders
for a child of three, there is the defence that the powders were mixed with
sugar of milk in accordance with a general custom."
It will be noted that reference is made to the addition of milk sugar
only, not to the use of a larger amount of grey powder containing too small
a percentage of mercury and too high a percentage of chalk. Some samples
taken in previous years did not contain even the equivalent of half of the
minimum dose, and when various ages of child were given there was no difference
in the strength of the powder supplied. There can be no certainty that the
required dose will be received when powders of indefinite composition are
used.
The British Pharmaceutical Codex, 1934, states that " grey powder is
used especially for children ; it is administered in powders or cachets, usually
mixed with an equal weight of milk sugar."
It would therefore seem that according to the authorities grey powder,
however asked for, should be grey powder of correct composition, whether
sold by itself or mixed with milk sugar.
Proceedings were taken in one case. The defendant, however, did not
state that it was the general custom to use weak powder, but stated that he
sold the powder in a packet in the same condition as it was supplied to him
by the wholesale purveyor.
Iodine Ointment.
B 550 (Informal). B 563 (Same vendor as B 550). 85 per cent.
deficient in iodine and 100 per cent. deficient in potassium
iodide. No action taken.
B 722 (Same vendor as B 550 and B 563). 85 per cent. deficient in
iodine and 100 per cent. deficient in potassium iodide. Vendor
fined £1 with £2 2s. 0d. costs.