THE ANALYST. 15 DR. LETHEBY. WE hare to announce with extreme regret-a regret which r i l l be shared by our readers-the death, somewhat suddenly, of' Dr. Letheby. He had been unwell for some weeks, his complaint being we believe, inflammation of the lungs; but he was expected t o be present as a scientific witness in a case a t the Richmond Petty Sessions on the 29th inst. At the last moment, however,, a telegram was received notifying his decease.Dr. Letheby mas too well known in the chemical world, t o require any lengthened obituary notice at our hands. We may however, medon, that he was an early Member of the Chemical Society ; that he took his M.B. degree in 1843, became Ph.D., and N.L4. in 1858 ; that amongst the numerous appointments which he had held, were those of Medical Officer of Health, and Public Analyst for the City of London; and that he was the author of numerous scientific and hygienic works.He died in his sixtieth year.16 THE ANALYST. A NOVEL READING OF TI-IE SALE OF FOOD AND DRUGS ACT. AT Westminster, Henry Fielding, a milkman, of 15, Lower Symonds Street, Chelsea, appeared in answer to an adjourned summons, charging him with selling, to the prejudice of the purchaser, some milk which was not of the nature, substance, and quality demanded.Mr. Pemberton, barrister, appeared for the prosecution ; and Mr. Symth, solicitor, for the defendant. The adulteration was not i n dispute, but the summons being under the 6th section of the A dultcration of Food Act, and the inspector admitting that he purchased it solely for the purposes of analysis, it was asked whether the sale was to the prejudice of the purchaser.Nr. Pemberton said that i f he proved thet the article was not only diffe- rent from the article demanded, ’out inferior in quality, the purchaser was prejudiced and an offence committed. Mr. Smyt,h said i t was his duty t o subinit that the complainants had not proved their case.The proceeding was under a penal statute, and he was quite sure the magistrate would look at the statute strictiy and give effect to it strictly. The word L L plcjudice,” now appeared for the first time in an Adulteration of Food statute. He contended that i t was introduced to enable m y person buying food bonajde to have it analyzed, and to prevent an army of informers springing up.Mr. Pewberton contended that the purpose for which the articls was bought was no part of the inquiry. hh. Arnold said he could not tell what the Legislature intended by the words; but, as they were in the Act, they must have some meaning. Mr. Pemberton said that if any one paid more for an article than it was worth, it was to his “prejudice.” Mr. Arnold said it was a very nice point and required comideration.He had read the Act very ccrefullp since he had adjourned the case, but he should like to consider the matter further, as he was much struck by Mr. Pemberton’s argument that the prejudice of the purchaser must mean a loss to the pocket of the purchaser. He should adjourn the case and consider his judgment. Another summons, in which the same principle was involved, was also adj ourned.--Tiimes.TOWNSSON MERCER, (LATE JACESON & TOWNSON), Wholesale and Export Dealers and Manufacturcrs of Chemical and Scientific Apparatus, Graduated Instruments, and ‘Pure Chemicals for Analysis, &c. 89, BISHOPSGATE STREET WITHIN, LONDON. Apparatus arranged and Sole Agents for Prof. Wanklyn’s Test Solutions for Water Analysis.Sole Agents for England for Beckcr’s Chemical Balances. Illustrated Catalogue pose free on receipt of 3 stamps. JUST PUBLISHED. PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY OF PUBLIC ANALYSTS,’’ VoI. 1, 1876. Containing Chemical Papers read before the Society ; Original Art,icles ; Beports of the Society’s Xeetings, &c., &c. CLOTH, 2s. 6d. BY POST, 2s. loid. ELLIOT STOCK, 62, PATERNOSTER Row. ‘( This book should certainly be possessed by Public Ana1ystg.”- Chemist and Drzcggzst. THE ANALYST. Subscription-8s. 6d. per annum, post free. All communications, enquiries as to Advertisements, Post Office Orders, &c., to be addressed to G. W. WIGNRR, 79, Great Tower Street, London, E.C. Printed by ALFRED nooT, 7, Mark Lane. E.C., for the Proprietors; and Published by ELLIOT STOCK, 62, Paternoster Row, E.C.