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49
suspicion that English bitter beer might be made
so by the addition of strychnine; extensive analyses
were made at that time, and no beer was found
to contain strychnine. This substance is not
difficult to detect in compounds where it is present,
and I had no hesitation in affirming that the above
specimen of beer was free from the slightest
adulteration.
Tobacco.
One specimen of tobacco was sent suspected of
adulteration. Chemical analysis or microscopical
examination cannot detect the substitution of an
inferior for a superior tobacco leaf. Tobacco is
undoubtedly subject to many adulterations; but the
active chief of the Inland Revenue Laboratory with
his staff of intelligent analysts is much too acute
to allow any of them to pass. There was nothing
but tobacco leaf in the specimen sent for examination.
The same kind of tobacco bought at another shop
presented exactly the same appearance as the
suspected tobacco.
I have the honour to be,
Rev. Sir, My Lord, and Gentlemen,
Your most obedient humble Servant,
EDWIN LANKESTER,
D