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65
hearing sine die, so that, if such a course were found
practicable, the summonses might be revived and a case
stated for the High Court on a point of law.
As it does not appear possible to raise any point of law
in such a manner as to decide the main issue, the Vestryhave
not proceeded further in the matter, but, as the precipitation
of sulphur by sulphuric acid is an unscientific
process, resulting in the precipitation of gypsum in proportions
varying from less than 10 to more than 60 per cent.,
and therefore rendering milk of sulphur so prepared most
uncertain in its action as a drug, the Vestry have called
the attention of the Local Government Board to the question.
It should be added that 13 samples of milk of sulphur
purchased from various druggists in the parish were
analysed, and of these 11 were absolutely pure, and 2 only
contained gypsum. The majority of the druggists in St.
James's evidently therefore hold the view of the . Vestry,
that precipitated sulphur is sulphur and not sulphur plus
an uncertain quantity of insoluble gypsum.
The cost incurred by the Vestry for the year in respect
of the Sale of Food and Drugs Act is as follows:—
£
s.
d.
Allowance to Analyst
75
0
0
Purchase of Samples, &c.
0
11
10
75
11
10
The administration of these Acts is not attended with
the success which could be desired, principally for two
E