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21
As to Alcoholic Drinks, I have not much to report. You are
aware that it is only under the New Act that the examination of
intoxicating drinks falls within the province of the Public Analyst.
In writing about Ales, I can only remark that hops are made to
go a very long way, and are used sparingly. The Ales are alcoholically
stronger than formerly, the necessity for which is quite
accounted for by the small employment of hops. They keep very
badly, and are obviously intended for immediate use. The presence
of nearly 12 per cent. of proof spirit is quite sufficient to account
for the effects upon the constitutions of many who partake freely
of an otherwise wholesome beverage, without resorting to the
notion of adulteration. It used to be said that much salt was used
in beers and porters in order to create thirst; I have not only not
found this to be the case, but almost proof, from the small quantity
present, that well-waters are not employed in the manufacture.
The Portehs differ very much in quality. Of the three examined,
one, No. 21, contained no bitter principle soluble in alcohol: the
only thing to be apprehended was the 12 per cent. of alcohol.
No. 20, however, contained an intensely bitter principle, resembling
gentian. I found it quite harmless, and that flies had no objection
to it. I should have desired an opportunity for further examination,
as neither of the other samples contained anything of the
same kind.
Of Spirits I have only examined four specimens.
Two Gins were unadulterated, and contained almost the same
amount of proof spirit, respectively 66 and 67 per cent. The most
deceptive feature in Gin is the amount of sugar, which cloaks the
alcohol, and provokes the imbibition of more alcohol than is consistent
with sobriety. The alcohol was of good quality, free from
acidity, and from every deleterious admixture.
The "Whiskies were more powerfully alcoholic than the Gins,
containing, as they did, about 90 per cent. of proof spirit. Both
were very new, and contained traces of amylic alcohol. But there
was no admixture of anything foreign.
Such, then, is the Report which I have to present. All particulars
may be obtained from the Certificates. On the whole, I
consider an advance has been made, and I trust that your opinion
will_.agree with mine.
I remain, Gentlemen,
Yours faithfully,
ALBERT JAMES BERNAYS.
Chemical Laboratory,
St. Thomas's Hospital Medical and Surgical College,