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97
During the past Quarter I have examined
quantitatively seven samples of bromide, and five
samples of iodide of potassium. As expected, \
found the bromide purer than the iodide, but in no
case did I find any adulteration. Without exception
the samples were clean, well crystallised and perfectly
soluble in little water.
Lastly I have to report upon several Violet
Powders. One of these, No. 116, was called Zinc
Violet Powder, and contained an impure zinc oxide
together with 76 per cent, of maize starch. Powders
No. 117 and 1 23 consisted, as they generally do when
sold by first class Chemists and Druggists, of scented
starch. Xos. 122 and 130 consisted of scented and
pounded selenite (sulphate of lime, commonly known
as plaster of Paris). As Violet Powder is of universal
application, and sold by every Chemist, I regard
it as a drug. Moreover, as it is very valuable for
external purposes, it is of great importance that its
sale should be as much as possible confined to those
who understand its manufacture, and who can declare
its composition.