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101
presume that spirits will again be subjected to
investigation, and I hope so in the cause of temperance
as diluted spirits lead to an increase of drinking and
to the injury of the Revenue.
The matter of chief interest this Quarter is the
subject of Butter. I have analysed four samples, and
I gave a Certificate as to the character of No. 74, which
has proved to be of public interest. Certainly as
regards appearance, taste, and smell, this butter was
of first-rate quality. Considering, too, the perfect
uniformity of the mixture and comparison with other
samples, I ought not to have hesitated about passing
it But then I should have judged without chemical
analysis. When I reflect upon the melting point, the
density, and the amount of fatty acids, I do not see
how I could have acted differently. Amongst the
charges made against me of carelessness, how unsubstantial
these are, I can affirm with confidence when
I remind you that the density was taken three times,
and the melting point, in all, seven times. But, as
the case is practically decided by Somerset House, I
shall be obliged, in future, to alter the standard which
I had adopted on the authority of Messrs. Hehner
and Angell. Only one thing I wish to place distinctly
upon record. It is a manifest injustice to chemists
exercising the office of Public Analysts, that they
g