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172
I take this opportunity of repeating that the
Society of Public Analysts has fixed upon a standard
for milk, which allows of the use of over four per
cent. of water. As water must be largely used in
the processes of cleansing, it is quite possible that a
small quantity might remain in the different utensils,
but I also think it will be generally admitted that
four per cent. of water is a full allowance for all such
operations.
One of the Magistrates, before whom only one
of our cases has ever been brought, and who convicted
in that particular case (No. 20), has since
publicly declared, "that he will not consider milk to
be adulterated, if it only contain 10 per cent. of
water." Now, taking our present standard, 10 percent.
really means 14 per cent.! The Magistrate,
whose statement I quote, mentions the opinion of Dr.
Voclcker as his justification. But I think I may say,
without fear of contradiction, that Mr. Wanklyn's
experience, and that of so many Analysts ought to
be considered to the full as valuable. Mr. Wanklyn's
work on milk "is the accepted authority at the
present time," and really leaves nothing to be
desired.
And I may further say for myself that I have
lost no opportunity of informing myself on this point