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38
Nine Breads, three Flours, and one Arrowroot leave
nothing to be desired. The same remark applies to seven
Mustards and eight Peppers.
The one sample of Coffee was also genuine.
Of Spirits, I have examined six. The three samples of Gin
were nearly up to standard. The peculiarity of one sample of
Gin was that it contained a distinct trace of free sulphuric
acid. The three Whiskies were good, and quite free from
metallic and other contaminations; all were above standard of
alcoholic contents. Whereas 75 per cent. is the standard of
proof spirit, they contained, respectively, 82½, 79 and 82 per
cent. I must be allowed to make the remark, in the interest
of the Public Health, that this is inadvisable, as a man should
know the strength of his liquor. Dilution below the standard,
when considerable, produces an unsatisfying effect, and generally
results in a call for more; but the more nearly the
spirit approaches to the character of alcohol, the more out of
proportion does it become dangerous to health.
I have only to state, in conclusion, that the Inspector has
received all the certificates.
I remain, gentlemen,
Yours faithfully,
ALBERT J. BERNAYS.
Chemical Laboratory,
St. Thomas's Hospital Medical School.
June 26th, 1888.