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The sweetening of the Gins is often very misleading, covering as
it does the alcoholic contents; but I find the sugar added always
of first-rate quality.
The alcohol of the Whiskeys is not so pure as that from the
Gins.
And now a word as to Drugs. At my request Mr. Errington
has taken several samples.
A specimen of Sulphate of Quinine, one of Carbonate of
Magnesia, and one of Dilute Sulphuric Acid were excellent of
their kind.
With reference to Milk of Sulphur, the sample was found to
contain 10 per cent. of sulphate of lime; but as there was no
suspicion that this substance had been added, the vendor was
informed of its presence, so that he might guide himself as to
future purchases. In this drug there is a great improvement since
the Act came into force, in my experience the Sulphate of Lime
having been reduced from 60 to 10 percent.; it may be reasonably
expected soon to be a matter of history, as is the case with so many
adulterations.
In another case, No. 121, I found the so-called Trisnitrate of
Bismuth containing some Basic Carbonate of Bismuth, and that it
had been so dried by overheating, as to be very little use as a drug.
It would not be likely to be absorbed into the system, and would
therefore disappoint the administrator. Of course the carbonate
ought not to have been present; but as the actual amount of
Bismuth was greater than usual, and the Bismuth itself was of
perfect purity, I recommended that the fact should be mentioned
to the salesman. From my own experience as to drugs and chemicals,
I know how difficult it is to obtain them pure, even when
the best price is paid, unless one has direct dealings with the
manufacturers; and I must express the great satisfaction I feel in
your permission that I should exercise my judgment as to whether
an article be of the nature and quality demanded.
Of Confectionery I have analyzed three samples, Spanish Juice,
Conversation Lozenges, and Sugared Almonds. The Licorice was