View report page

18
In order to ascertain whether the alum found to exist in
considerable quantity was introduced during the process of
baking or not, the following specimens flour were examined
in a similar manner.

From the above analyses I conclude that, with one or two
notable exceptions, the quantity of alum introduced was so
small as not to be detrimental to health. It is to be noticed
that all the specimens of flour contained alum, from which the
important conclusion is to be drawn that this material, as it
comes into the bakers' hands, is frequently already adulterated ;
so that the fact of bread containing alum is not in itself a
proof that the baker is the guilty party.*
WATER SUPPLY.
During the year 1856, an inquiry has been made under the
authority of the General Board of Health by Mr. Simon, the
Medical Officer to that Board, the results of which have
determined in the most satisfactory manner the question of the
influence on the health of the population, of water containing
a large proportion of organic impurity. It so happens that
certain registration districts on the South side of the Thames,
* The alumina was determined by Dr. Bernays and myself in the following
manner:—A weighed quantity was digested in water, and to the clear filtrate,
solution of caustic potash was added in excess. The precipitate remaining after
the application of gentle heat was removed by filtration. To the filtrate, after
carcful neutralization by hydrochloric acid, was added ammonia containing
carbonate of ammonia. The gelatinous precipitate (of alumina) was washed and
again tested, in order to prove beyond possibility of doubt the presence of
alumina.