ISSN:0003-2654    

DOI:10.1039/AN87702FP031

出版商:RSC    

年代:1877

数据来源: RSC

ISSN:0003-2654    

DOI:10.1039/AN87702BP033

出版商:RSC    

年代:1877

数据来源: RSC

摘要:

THE A N A L Y S T . ORGANIZATIOX JLMONGST CHEMISTS. ME have previously referred in these columns to a scheme which has been some eighteen months under consideration, for promoting organization amongst chemists, and we hare, upon several occasions, given space to correspondents t o point out the defects which they thought existed in the scheme. Some of our remarks, or the remarks of our correspondents, appear to have given offence t o one o f our contemporaries, who has recently warmly defended the scheme at present proposed, and who, by implication, charges us with breach of confidence in publishing primte information, or information surreptitiously obtained on the matter.We emphatically deny this charge. All the information we have published has been obtained in the same honourable way as any other journal could have obtained it, if it had thought fit to do so.Our own views on the matter are the same as they have been from the commence- ment. We quite agree that organization among professional chemists is in a general sense desirable, although the necessity for it is not perhaps so paramount as some would seem to think. 4 remark made at a meeting which has taken place in connection with the subject appears to us very much to the point.One of the speakers, a chemist of eminence, and a member of the organization commitice said that " most of his 6 ' correspondents who were anxious for the promotion of the scheme had a gricvance, We differ distinctly from the promoters of the " Institute of Chemistry ;'' first as to the objects which i t can immediately accomplish.The promoters think they can discriminate between competent and incompetent chemists, and at once sift the wheat from the chaff so effectually, as to obtain the full confidence of the public, and drive the unfortunate chemists (?) whom they have, (by refusing to admit them as members of the Institute,) dubbed incompetent, to seek " fresh fields and pastures new." We have asserted from the first that they are unable t o do anything of the kind.Men of business, who are the principal clients of professional chemists, are quite able t o judge for themselves, as to the competence or incompetence of thsse whom they employ, and it will be many years before the Institute, eveu if i t be formed at all, will exercise any appreciable influence in this direction.The only real foundation upon which the Institute can be started is, that every analyst who has been in practice for say one year, and who cannot be proved to have been guilty of unprofessional conduct, whatever that may mean, should, if he so wish, be admitted as a member. The Institute will thus be formed in precisely the same way as the Medical and Pharmaceutical Professions were organized, and the Society of Public Analysts was formed, the condition however being, that all who desire to claim admission on these terms, i.e., compulsory admission, must do SO within some definite time, say within three months of the formation of the Institute.After that time every fresh applicant for admission, whether he bears an honoured chemical name or is a young and unknown aspirant for scientific honours, should be compelled t o pass a certain examination, and that examination once patssed, his title to the advantages of the Institute, whatever they may be, should be as clear and indisput- able, as the title of a man who has passed the proper examinations at the London University is to his B.Sc.degree.but the grievance was chiefly that they had not work enough to do."92 THE ANALYST. In the second place we differ from the promoters because me hold that if such an Institute as this is to be of any use at all, i t should not be a miscellaneous body, com- posed of men of science and men of letters, but must be strictly confined to professional chemists. We shall, of course, be expected to give a definition of what me mean by professional chemists, and our definition shall be a plain one; we understand by the term, men who earn an income, even if it be a poor one, (we will not say a Ziving, or me should exclude many of those who might otherwise be eligible,) purely by the practice of professional chemistry as distinguished from pharmacy. We need hardly say that this definition would exclude many of the promoters of the present scheme.It is not a t all surprising that having made these two fundamental mistakes, the promoters should in their attempts t o launch this scheme have fallen into others only a trifle less serious. Having come to the conclusion that such a scheme was desirable, their first step was to call a meeting, and this meeting, which was t o consider the whole subject, should of course have been a public one, open to every professional chemist in ‘‘ Great Britain and Ireland,” instead of which it was convened by a private circular, which appears to have been sent t o few beyond the personal friends of the promoters ; and although men of undoubted scientific attainments, but who were not professional chemists, were present, and even our continental colzfreres were represented, the meeting consisted of only about 40 persons; while some dozen or so well-known professional chemists whose names have appeared in the Xo?don Directory for years, and twice that number of provincial chemists were conspicuous by their absence.I t might be urged that they were absent because they had no wish to be present, but in many cases we have found that i t was not so.The meeting was in fact a gathering rather of theoretical chemists, than practical analysts. A copy of the circular fell into our hands, and we sent our representative t o report the proceedings, but-mistake again-he was told it was a private meeting, and although it was ‘‘ not possible to prevent his reporting it, yet it would be looked upon as a great “ breach of confidence,” if he did.We did NOT report that meeting, but in front of us as we write is the transcript of the shorthand notes then taken, and after all that has occurred me can scarcely consider we are any longer bound t o view them as private. At this meeting a small committee of 1 I mas nominated, but the names were not separately put to the vote.At the conclusion, it was stated that all present would receive a notice of an adjourned meeting to receive the report of this Committee, but-mistake again- notices were not issued, or at any rate were not received in accordance with this statement. The adjourned meeting also was a pricatc one, and although we knew of it, we declined t o send our representative. So on with all the ordinary meetingsof this body, and yet in the notice of one, now lying before us, we find the first words are, ‘‘ The adjourned general meeting to consider “ the subject of organization of the chemical profession will assemble.” General and private are hardly synonymous terms, yet on the corner of this printed notice of a ‘I general meeting ” appears in writing the word (‘ private.” Comment is needless.private ” “ general ” meetings have been held, and the gentlemen attending them have appointed a committee of some 50 of their friends to carry the scheme through-mistake again-these 50 may be and perhaps are, the 50 most clever, most competent, and most successful chemists in thc country. ; but if this is so, there can be no doubt that if a public meeting of their co@reres had been duly summoned, these 50 Nevertheless theseTHE ANALYST.93 gentlemen would have been elected, and they mould then have held office by a public vote instead of a private vote, if any at all. Again, this committee having selected their officers, instead of a t once calling a meeting and forming the society, and taking the opinion of the general body of professional chemists as to the future steps to be taken, trusting in time to secure a Royal Charter, if the Society should be found to merit it, arranged instead to register themselves as a Limited Liability Company, with a Board of Trade License, (if they could obtain it,) to omit the word ‘ I Limited,” so that the title really should be ( ( Institute of Chemistry, Limited.” Fancy the Geological or Astronomical Society in such a position as this, and yet if this Institute is to go on at all, it should occupy a pouition, at least, as important as either of these two societies.But space will not aUow us to continue; we have pointed out much, but we could say more. Our contemporary really argues strongly in favour of the views we hare taken; his own words are ‘( The originators of this movement were not certainly and strictly speaking professional chemists, or at least sorw of them wem not.” One word of advice and we have done-mistakes, and grave mistakes have been committed, let them be at once rectified, it is not too late even now. Let a Public Meeting be duly convened by advertisement and circular t o every professional chemist in the kingdom, and the matter be fully discussed ; a really representative committee should then be elected by ballot, which committee would have the confidence of the profession. They can then go on, with strength instead of weakness, and, if fortune favours them, fairly achieve the object which we, as well as tbey, wish to see accomplished. The italics are our own.

ISSN:0003-2654    

DOI:10.1039/AN8770200091

出版商:RSC    

年代:1877

数据来源: RSC

摘要:

THE ANALYST. 93 THE SOCIETY OF PUBLIC ANALYSTS. THE country meeting of this Society was held a t Plymouth, on the 17th August, 1877, as usual, during the meeting of the British Association ; the President, Dr. Duprd, F.R.S, in the chair. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The names of the following gentlemen were proposed for election as members, to be balloted for at the next meeting : Louis Siebold, F.C.S., Manchester ; Thomas Jamieson, F.C.S., Aberdeen ; Thomas William Drinkwater, F.R.P.S., Edinburgh ; James John Day, P.C.S., Derby.The President delivered a short address, referring chiefly to the question of copper in preserved peas, and taking exception to the views of Dr. Paul and Mr. Kingzett, the authors of a paper on this subject, read at the Pharmaceutical Conference.Dr. Dupr6 cordially endorsed the opinion expressed in that discussion by Dr. Redwood and others, as to the danger of permitting the sale of peas, coloured with copper, unless specially labelled to that effect, when people who might be foolish enough to desire such an article would purchase it with their eyes opeu. Dr. Muter, in moving a vote of thanks to the President for his address, took occasion to refer to a leading case in connexion with the subject in which he had been engaged, and where the magistrate, having convicted for the presence of copper, the defendant appealed to the sessions ; but, when the appeal came on, withdrew it, on the ground that he could not get sufficient weighty evidence in his favour.3-h.W. Thomaon re3d a paper, (( On the Incongruity of the mode generally adopted94 THE ANALYST. of stating results of milk analyses,” and a discussion ensued iii which lh. Nuter, Mr. Allen, and Dr. Duprh joined. Mr. Allen read a paper “ On the Determination of Alcohol in Ether and chloroform,” and Mr. Jarmain, Mr, Fairley, and Dr. Dupr6 took part in the discussion. Mr. Allen also read a paper ‘‘ On the Detection of Strychnine,” in reference to which a few remarks were made by Mr. Thomson and others. The Secretary read a paper by Dr. Wynter Blyth, ‘( On the Washing of Fats,” the discussion on which was postponed, owing to the author’s absence.

ISSN:0003-2654    

DOI:10.1039/AN8770200093

出版商:RSC    

年代:1877

数据来源: RSC

摘要:

94 THE ANALYST. ON THE INCONGRUITY OF THE MODE GENERALLY ADOPTED IIT STATIXG THE RESULTS OF MILK ANALYSES. BY WILLIAM THONSON, F.R.S.E. Read before the Xociety of P u b l i c Ay$alysts, at Plymouth, 17th August, 1877. FOR some time past it has occurred t o me that the general mode of stating the results of milk analyses is illogical, and at all times places the analyst in a false position. From the general mode adopted for making analyses of milk, analysts cannot, and have no right to say, that a sample is or is not adulterated with water, and they are equally unable to say whether cream has or has not been abstracted from the genuine milk.It has been proved by many different analyses of genuine milk that the variation in its composition is so great, both as regards the fat and solids not fat, that no standard can be taken as representing the composition of genuine milk.Up to the present time analysts have used standards, and have calculated from these standards the proportions of water added, and on this basis they say,-‘L This sample has been adulterated with so much water,’’ and ‘‘ That sample is free from adulteration.” What is the law in these matters ? I s it that it is illegal for any one to adulterate genuine milk with water; or is i t that any one rnGy adulterate his milk, provided he does not add too much water, i.5.that he does not dilute it below a certain standard? Imagine the position of an analyst versus an inspector under two different and very possible circumstances. I n the first, suppose the latter sees a cow milked dry into a clean and dry vessel, and he takes a sample from it and sends it to the analyst, who finds it to be adulterated with water.I n the second, suppose the inspector goes to a shop, and asks the vendor to sell him some milk; and presuming the latter, knowing that his milk is rich, says to the inspector, Sir ! I adulterate my milk ; and he forthwith takes three pints of his milk and one pint of water and mixes them together and sells part of the mixture t o the inspector, who on sending it t o the analyst receives a report to the effect that it is free from adulter- ation.What can be the inspector’s opinion of the analyst? and yet, under the present state of affairs, such things may easily happen, but these only shew how the analyst may fall into public disrepute. If an honest man in a small town sell genuine milk, which is pronounced by the analyst to be Tho total solids in genuine milk vary from 104 to 15 or more, per cent.The question I propose t o bring before you is this. Here the effects of this objectionable mode of stating results do not end.TTlE ANALYST. 95 adulterated with water, the statement is published in the local newspapers, and the vendor suffers both pecuniarily and morally to a very marked degree. I f adulteration of milk with water be an offence against the law, and the public be supposed to be injured by it, then the analyst, by his decided mode of expressing results, is constantly acting unjustly towards them, by passing adulterated samples ; and if the ‘( standard I’ method be recognized, then every milk seller ought clearly to understand that if he sell genuine milk, which should at any time happen to fall under the standard, he will be liable to be fined 5s.and costs, or possibly sent to prison for repeated offences against the Act. standard ” method be used, it would well pay a milk seller, who vends from 50 to 100 gallons of milk per day, t o employ an analyst to analyse his milk two or three times a week, and from the results to add sufficient water to dilute the genuine milk to the standard, which necessarily must be low, and thus the public mill have the satisfaction of learning that analysts, whom they have employed t o protect them from adulteration, have secured t o them an uniform supply of milk of low quality.” I t seems t o me, first, that adulteration of genuine milk with water, no matter t o what extent, should be considered illegal, and secondly, that the seller should be prevented from vending abnormally poor genuine mi1k.t In the first, it is easily within the power of the inspector and analyst to find whether or no water has been added to milk, independent of any standard, becaufie if, after buying a sampl’e of milk, the retailer be required t o declare from what farm the milk was bought, the inspector of the district in which mch farm is situated, may be communicated with and requested to see the cows milked and to take a sample of the mixture, which should be sent t o the analyst side by side with the sample originally bought. The actual amount of added water could thus be calculated from the difference in the results, and magistrates could then have no hesitation in convicting, and there would, in such instances, be little chance of miscarriage of justice. I was led t o write this paper at the present time owing to the following circumstance :-A man waited on me and stated that the inspector had taken a sample of milk which he sold to him.I t had beon sent t9 Dr. J. Campbell Brown, who reported it to be adulterated with 8 per cent. of water. The man said he was certain no water had been added and that the analyst had made a mistake, and requested me to analyse a sample which had been left in his possession by the inspector. The milk was decomposed, and on analysis I found the total solids, and solids not fat t o be exceptionally low, and wrote to him to that effect, stating that the analyst was justified in pronouncing it t o be adulterated. I said, however, he had one mode of defence left to him, and that was, that I should see the COW or cows milked dry into a clean vessel and take a sample of the genuine milk for analysis, and if it coincided in poorness with the suspected sample, it could be stated in court that the milk was genuine.I went to his house at 6.30 one morning, which was the general time of milking, he explained to me that one cow yielded four gallons of milk, which was sufficient for his custoni, and only that cow’s milk was sold. I went to the shippon with him and there saw a light roan colored cow, apparently in g o d condition.He assured me it was perfectly healthy. 1 saw it milked dry into a tin, and a t once mixed the contents and filled two bottles from it, the one was sealed in presence of the owner of the corn, and immediately If, again, the I did so. * This process has been carried on for a long time. (Eds. Alzalyst.) t This is precisely what the law as at present administered does.(E&. AlzaZpt.)96 THE ANALYST. afterwards I took both samples away, the sealed one I sent to Dr. Campbell Brown, who analyscd and reported on the original sample, explaining the circumstances of the case ; the other sample I submitted to analysis; both our analyses agreed in shewing that the genuine milk was of exceptionally low quality. Dr. Campbell Brown very properly agreed to go further into the matter, and requested the inspector to see a sample taken from the cow and sent to him, this was done, and as it coincided with the sample originally analysed, the prosecution was withdrawn.The farmer a week afterwards forwarded to me the sample which had been left with him by the inspector, which I submitted to analysis, and the following are the results of these three samples obtained respectively by Dr.Campbell Brown and by myself, both our results coincide and serve to shew an exceptionally poor genuine milk, Br. Canybell Brown’s re8uh- Fat . . . . . . . . . . . . Solids not Fat.., . . . . . . Total Solids . . . . . . . . . Ash . . . . . . . . . . . . Cream . . . . . . . . . . . . Specific Gravity . . . . . . Xy own results of t l ~ e same sarnph- Fat .. . . . . . . . . . . Solids not Fat. . . . . . . . . Total Solids. . . . . . . . . Ash . . . . . . . . . . . . Specific Gravity . . . . . . Cream, percentage by volume ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 28th April, 1877. First Sample bought by Inspector. Fresh. 2.680 8.297 10.977 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... May 9, 1877.Decomposed. 2.980 7-331 10.301 * 1 . ... ... Decomposed. Mayl5,1877. 3.017 7.612 10,629 0.614 ... ... May14,1877~ Sample taken by Thomson. Fresh. 2,210 8.190 10.400 -682 leu30 ... Fresh. 2.1 21 8.347 10,468 $58 1.026 7.000 second Sam- ple takenby nspector from the cow. Fresh. 2.690 8.503 11.193 -730 ... Decomposed. 2.953 8.050 11.033 -712 ..* ... I n the discusfiion which followed, Dr.Muter pointed out the necessity, which he had frequently urged in The Analyst, of considering the amount and constitution of the ash of any sample of milk which might be submitted for analysis, in addition to the usual examinations for solids not fat. He urged that an analyst should not take any single point in the constitution of a milk as an absolute standard, but should make a thoroughly full analysis and apply common sense in considering the whole of the results. He had himself, on five or six occasions, met with milks containing so low an amount of (‘ solids not fat,” that had he not taken pains to examine the amount and nature of the ash, he might have been led to condemn unjustly. Mr. Allen considered that the addition of water to milk was not only objectionable, owing t o the fraud practised, but also from the danger of spreading zymotic diseases by the employment of impure water. The President, in summing up the discussion, remarked that what was wanted was the fixing by Parliament of definite qualities, below which, it would be illegal t o sell both milk and spirituous liquors.

ISSN:0003-2654    

DOI:10.1039/AN8770200094

出版商:RSC    

年代:1877

数据来源: RSC

摘要:

THE ANALYST. 97 NOTE ON THE DETERMINATION O F ALCOHOL I N E'fHElt AXD CHLOROFORN. By ALFRED H. ALLEN, F.C.S. Rend 7jt$ore the Society of Public AnaJysts, at Plymouth, 17th August, 1877. SEVERAL chemists have pointed out that crystallized fuchsine (acetate of rosaniline,) was insoluble in pure anhydrous ether or chloroform, but that it imparted more or less colour to these liquids when alcohol was present.On making the experiment 1 found that fuchsine readily coloured a sample of commercial ether. When thc same sample mas well agitated with dry chloride of calcium t o remove alcohol and water, it lost thc power of dissolving fuchsine, becoming tinged only very faintly, when shaken with the dye. To employ the above facts for the determination of alcohol in a sample of ether, I operate in the following manner :- A minute quantity of powdered fuchsine is placed at the bottom of a narrow test- tube, 10 C.C.of the sample of ether added, the tube corked and the whole agitated. If the ether be pure and anhydrous the coloration of the liquid mill he almost nil. If the coloration be considerable, 10 C.C. of ether which has been treated with chloride of calcium, is placed in another tube of the same bore as the first, adding fuchsine as before.25 C.C. of alcohol is then added t o it from a finely divided burette, and the whole is shaken. I f this quantity of alcohol is insufficient t o produce a coloration of the liquid equal to that of the sample to be tested, a further addition of alcohol must be made until the liquids have the same depth of colour.The tint is best observed by holding the two tubes side by side in front of a window and looking through them transversely. The use of a piece of wet filter paper behind them facilitates the observation. It is well to permit the alcohol to drop right into the ether, and not allow it t o run down the sides of the tube, as in the latter case it mill dissolve any adherent particles of fuchsine, forming a solution which will be precipitated on admixture with the ether.For a similar reason it is not convenient to dilute the sample with pure ether so as to reduce the colour to that of a standard tint. I n practice, each ?a C.C. of alcohol added from the burette may be considered as indicating 1 per cent. of impurity in the sample.Of course this assumption is not strictly correct, but the error introduced is insignificant when the percentage of alcohol is small. The method is very suitable fgr small proportions of alcohol, but becomes difficult to apply when the latter exceeds 5 Fer cent. of tho sample, owing to the intensity of the colour. The results are within 3 per cent. of the truth. Occasionally the tints of the two liquids are not readily comparable, but on placing the tubes for a few minutes in cold water, this difficulty is overcome.I n attempting to apply the above method to the determination of alcohol in chloro- form, I found that the latter liquid still dissolved fuchsine after treatment with chloride of calcium, By shaking with concentrated sulphuric acid it could be entirely purified from alcohol and water, but the product retained so much acid that it could not be directly tested with fuchsine. The acid could be got rid of by agitation with carbonate of potassium, but the chloroform so treated retained sufficient alkali to prevent the coloration by fuchsine.By employing dry precipitated carbonate of barium to eliminate the sulphuric acid, the chloroform was obtained so pure as to give only a very slight coloration with fuchsine, but the addition of a small proportion of alcohol readily caused98 THE ANALYST.solution of the dye with production of the characteristic colour.s The method commonly described for determining the proportion of alcohol in ether is the agitation of thc sample with Tvater, with subsequent observation of the diminution in the bulk of the ether.This method appeared very unpromising in presence of much alcohol, but on inrestigati3g it, I was agreetbly surprised to find that with certain precautions, it was possessed of considcrable accuracy. The following are the details of the procedure I have found preferable. A. small quantity of fuchsiiie is placed in a Mohr’s burette furnished with a glass tap, which is then filled with water and a small proportion of ether, n cork is next introduced, and the whole agitated. By this means a coloured etherized water is obtained, in which ether is quite insoluble, while al(aoho1 readily dissolves.10 C.C. of the etherized water are run into a glass tube holding about 25 c.c., and having divisions of &. c.c., 10 C.C.of the sample of ether arc next addcd, the tube corked, and the whole well shaken. Any reduc- tion in its volume is due t o admixture of alcohol. Thus each 0.1 C.C. lost, represents 1 per cent. of alcohol. If the proportion of alcohol in the sample did not excced 20 per cent., the ether will be colorless, and the result of the experiment is correct ; but if the proportion of alcohol is much above 20 per cent., thc layer of ether is COlOUred, and the result is below the truth.Thc absence of coloiir therefore indicatcs the accuracy of the experiment. I f the layer of ether be coloured, an accurate result can still be obtained by adding 5 C.C. of anhydrous ether, and again agitating. I t is better, however, t o dilute a fresh portion of the sample with an equal bulk of pure ether, and use the diluted sample instead of the original. By proceeding in this manner, the proportion of alcohol in mixtures of that liquid with ether can be ascertained within 1 or 2 per cent.with great facility. I n all cases the proportion of alcohol must be deducted from the reduction in the volume of the ether, and not from the increase in that of the aqueous liquid.Care must be taken to prevent any volatilization of the ether. On the ether rising t o the surface, its T-olume can be easily read off. The process has been verified up to 60 per cent. of alcohol. * I n attempting to find a coloring agent more suitable than fuchsinc for use with chloroform, methyl- aniline-violet was tried, with the curious discovery that this substance is cxceedingly soluble in chloroform, with intense yiolrt colour. So grcat is the affinity of methyl-aniline violet for chloroform, that this liquid readily removes it from its aqueous solution, when agitated with it, Mr. G. Jarmain informs me that he has obscrved the same fact, and has employed it for detecting the adulteration of indigo with methyl-aniline violet.

ISSN:0003-2654    

DOI:10.1039/AN8770200097

出版商:RSC    

年代:1877

数据来源: RSC

摘要:

98 THE ANALYST. PRESENCE OF II'ETALLIC COMPOUNDS I N ALIMENTARY SUBSTANCES. By B. H. PAUL, 1%. I), F.C.S., AND C . T. EINGZETT, F.C.S. Abstract of Paper read before the Pharmaceutical Con$erence at Plymouth. 1. INTPODUCTION.-~nder the Sale of Food and Drugs' Act a number of prosecutions have been instituted during the last few years, haying regard to the presence of metallic compounds in articles of food.Meanwhile, the knowledge possessed by either chemists or medical men as to the bchaviour of such coinpouuds upon the human system is extremely mcagre. There can be no doubt that many mineral substances exercise a prejudicial influence upon hcnlth, but the mcasure and nature of this influence is in most cases an undetermined quantity, while it is probable that, owing to popular prejudices, a number of harmless substances are assunied t o possess pernicious or poisonous properties.THE ANALYST.99 2 . PRESERVED PEAS AND COPPEEL-A popular food which has been most severely remarked upon is preserved peas. The quantity of sulphate of copper added varies between o m and two p i n s of the ordinary blue sulphate to the tin of peas containing from 9& to 92 ounces of peas, and 150 C.C.of liquor. The question of what influence this copper has upon health is one which has been hotly discussed, and widely differing opinions have been expressed by medical men. It appeared t o us that in order to arrive at a proper knowledge of the physiological influence of the copper contained in preserved peas, it mas desirable to determine the following points :- (1).I s the copper in mere admixture with the peas, or is i t in actual combination ? (2). noes it pass into solution under the influences of the digestive processes ? (3). I s any part or all of the copper thus introduced in the stomach absorbed, or 3. PRESENCE OF COPPER IN ORGANIC TISSUES AND PRoDucrs.--Before proceeding to describe the experiments me have made relative to these questions, we may take note of the fact that from the time of Margraff, Gahn, and Vauquelin, chemists have been acquainted with the presence of copper in organic tissues and products.In view of these facts we deemed it desirable t o examine green peas for copper, and accordingly, two experimcnts were made with this object. 4. METIIOD FOR DETECTION OF Cowm.-The method pursued throughout this inyestigation for the detection of copper may be at once stated ; it consists in burning the suspected matters with a mixture of pure sodic carbonate and potassic nitrate, causing complete destruction of all organic matter ; solution of the fused mass in dilute acid ; and addition of excess of ammonia and filtration from alumina, phosphates, etc.5. 80 grms. of green petis wcre examined and found t o be absolutely free from copper. 6. The copper present in preserved peas is, therefore in actual combination, 7. The peas in stomachic digestion give up their copper t o solution. 8. Is THE COPPEE INTRODUCED INTO THE STOXACE ABSORBEI), OR WHAT BECOMES OF IT? On the 13th July, the authors of this paper took each a dose of 0.3 grains nf CuSO, 5H@, and examined the urine eliminated during the next 48 hours ; it was found to be entirely free from copper.The faxes secreted on the 30th by one of us, after taking 3 daily doses of *3 grain was examined, and was found t o yield abundant evidence of copper, forming indeed a very considerable proportion of a dose. Therefore, even if a part of the copper be absorbed into the system, another and pro6abZy the greater part passes out with the fseces.9. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS AND CoNcLusroNs.-Inasmuch as copper is normally present in certain organs of the body as stated above, it must get there in the first place through an introduction into the stomach. How then can we reconcile this fact with the partial secrction, at least, of copper with the f w e s ? Apparently this is very easy of explanation. After gastric digestion and while the contents of the stomach are still acid, a part of the chyme is absorbed into the blood system, and this would seem to constitute the stage at which the copper is absorbed.The greater part, however, of the digested mass passes on through the pylorus, and undergoes a further change in the duodenum, whcre alkaline biliary fluid takes part in the process.The probable result as regards the is i t eliminated, and, if so, how ?104) TEE ANALYST. copper would be its precipitation as phosphate, which would not be changed in the intestines, but would be passed as such with the faeces. Now, if it be considered that ordinarily one person consumes only about two ounces of preserved peas at a meal, and that this quantity would contain only a fraction of a grain of cupric sulphate; and if it be further considered that only another fraction of this amount is ultimately absorbed into the blood system, it is impossible to defend the opinion of the prejudicial influence of such amount of copper upon health.This represents our conclusion based.upon the experiments we have described, and we think it probable that quite as much copper finds its way into the system through the handling of copper coins, the use of copper vessels in cooking operations, and in the consumption of pickles and such articles which are often prepare3 in copper vessels. At least we believe preserved peas are absolutely innocuous to health.10. OTHER CONFIRMATORY EVIDENCE OF THE I ~ ~ o c n o u s NATURE OF TRACES OF COPPER PRESENT IN FooDs.-In a prosecution case conducted before the Marlborough Street Police Court, on Monday, January 22, 1877. Dr. Pavy expressed the opinion that 0.31 of a grain of copper (sulphate 2) would not be injurious to health ; this opinion was unsupported by any evidence. In what has gone before we have supplied the evidence required, and these results are confirmed by, and confirmative of, other results recently communicated by M.Galippe to the French Academy of Sciences.s" He has found that the administration of large doses causes vomiting, but that the same compounds may be taken in increasing amounts for prolonged periods of time without the attendance of any painful symptoms.Galippe cites the experiments of Burq and Ducom, who fed ddgs with food that had been cooked and cooled in vessels made of copper, and previously exposed to the action of vinegar and salt ; the dogs mere not at all affected. Moreover, Galippe and his family have lived on food similarly prepared, without experiencing any poisonous effects. Dr. Redwood said he had been engaged in the prosecution of some dealers in preserved peas, which were contaminated with copper, and should be inclined to say that the case which had just been brought forward waB somewhat overproved.He referred to Some cases where the poisonous effects noticed mere without doubt due to copper. He was not prepared to say that a dealer was justified in supplying peas prepared with a substance which had an effect which was not necessary, and which was probably dangerous.If they were supplied, he thought they ought to be labelled '' peas preserved .rvith sulphate of copper." Mr. Siebold protested against the notion that because the copper was eliminated therefore no poisonous effect would he produced. He instanced iodide of potassium and other medicines as also being rapidly eliminated, but which had undoubted medicinal effects.Dr. Paul said the instances were not analogous. The copper passed through the system without being absorbed at all. Dr. Rome mentioned some instances from his own neighbourhood where streams, largely contaminated with copper, were indiscriminately drank by the population. I n one case there waa sufficient copper in the water to pay for its extraction; in another instance there was no less than sixteen grains to the imperial gallon. Nr. William Thomson had for a long period given t o a dog one grain of sulphate of copper per day in his food with no unfarourable results. Mr. Chipperfield said that in the neighbourhood of copper works, while vegetation was almost entirely destroyed, and copper could be distinctly tasted in the air, it was a fact that the residents were remarkable for longevity. He had found two grains of copper in each tin. * Compfus Iiemhs, April 9, 1877.

ISSN:0003-2654    

DOI:10.1039/AN8770200098

出版商:RSC    

年代:1877

数据来源: RSC

摘要:

THE ANALYST. 101 MILK ANALYSIS. The following correspondence has appeared in the Vestern dlorning News. THE MILK DEALERS’ GREIVANCES. Sm,--If the writer of the letter headed ‘‘ New Milk ” in your paper a few days since had exercised a little patience, he would have been duly informcd of the object of the promoters of the meeting of the cow- keepers held at the Plymouth Temperance Hotel, Treville Street, last evening.B e anticipated the result of the meeting so far as the price of milk in future, which is to be 6d. per quart for raw and 2d. per quart for scald. But the primary object of the promoters was to receive a certificate from Dr. Blyth to test how far his evidence may be taken as a Public Analyst. Last week a raid was made on the Stonehouse and Devonport dairymen, aud on the evidence of the analyst that the milk was adulterated, they were convicted, and the magistrates imposed fines, together with costs, amounting to several pounds.Mr. Feesey was also summoned, and, after hearing the evidence of Dr. Blyth against him, he put a few very pertinent questions to Dr. Blyth, who gave very doubtful answers. Mr. Feesey then demanded a favourable verdict or that the milk be sent to Somerset House, for the purpose of substantiating Dr.Blyth’s evidence or otherwise. This was not accepted, and verdict was given in favour of Mr. Feesey. As before stated the object of the meeting last night was to receive a certificate from Dr. Blyth, Barnstaple, as also from Dr. Oxland, Plymouth, two supposed eminent analysts, of the result of analysing two bottles of milk.On Monday last I went to Mr. Superintendent Wreford, Plymouth police, and asked that a policeman be allowed to go to my field, see a cow milked, and himself fill three bottles with said milk, one each for the analysts, and the other to be retained by the police constable, and seal each with the Plymouth Constabulary seal. Sergeant Monkley was entrusted with this duty, and he is prepared to swear in any court of justice, that he performed that duty faithfully.Now, what does Dr. Blyth say as the result of his analysing. “To Mr. Superintendent Wreford.-I, the undersigned, Public Analyst for the county of Devon, do hereby certify that I received on the 17th day of July, 1877, from police sergeant a sample of milk for analysis (which then measured half-pint), and have analgsed the same, and dcclare the result of my analysis to be as follows ” :-I am of opinion that same is a sample of adulterated milk, if sold as milk.” Then followed the constituent parts of fdt, water, Bc.He then further states that “ the milk this certificate refers to has been almost entirely deprived of its cream-there is no other adulteration,” and signs his name A.Wynter Blyth, and sealed with a wax seal bearing his name, for which analysing a guinea was charged and paid, Query-Is an Analyst’s fee a guinea or half guinea ? Dr. Oxland, after stating that he had (‘ received a sample of milk in a bottle, sealed with the Plymouth Constabulary seal, from Mr. Sager,” and stating constituent parts, says : ‘‘ This sample has been skimmed ; the greater portion of the cream has been taken away.” In-the face of this result of analysing pure milk from the cow by two well-known analysts, is it not possible that a cowkeeper may at any time be brought before a bench of magistrates (they depending on the evidence of the Analyst), be branded as a cheat, and fined several pounds, as was the case at Stonehouse and Devonport last week, at the game time being perfectly honest, and selling pure milk.Surely, as it has been shown that possibly Dr. Blyth was mistaken in the Stonehouse cases, in saying that the milk was adulterated-as most assuredly he is with regard to the milk supplied pure from my cow, to be sworn to by the police sergeant-it ought not to be too late for the dairymen above referred to to have the benefit of the doubt, and refunded the money ; which to them, however, is not of so much importance as the b‘fiiching of a good name,” which money cannot replace.As a proof that the dairymen are desirous that the public shall have a pure article, the meeting resolved that the Mayors of Plymouth and Devonport be requested to convene a public meeting, for the purpose of considering the appointment of a Public Analyst for the towns of Plymouth and Devonport, conjointly.There was only one dissentient ; and the reason he assigned for voting against, was that in the face of the result of analysing, as shown by the certificates read that evening, it would be useless to make such an appointment. The possible results of the meeting will be that an association will be formed of the cowkeepers and dairymen of the three totvns.The remarks in the ‘‘ Notes in the West” are, to sap the least, unfair, such play upon words not always having the desired effect, and adding insult to injury. Two wrongs will not make a right, but 1 haye no doubt that the average of honest men amongst cowkeepers will compare favourably with these to be found even amongst journalists.Over 100 cowkeepers were present. Apologising for occupying so much of your valuable space. W. SAYER, Cowkeeper, ( CJ~aimalz of Meetitig,) James Street, Plymouth, JuZy 20tli, 1877.102 THE ANALYST. SIR,-A very curioas circdnistance appear& l o have occured that, to say the least of it, is highly diverting and amusing.The harassed and injured dairymen of Stonehouse and Devonport select a cow, one of their number milks this cow (it is said in the presence of a police-constable), and two samples of milk are sent to two different analysts-Dr. Oxland and myseif. In due time the certificates of the analysts conic down, each agreeing tbat nearly the whole of the cream has been abstracted, and immediately a jubilant Plymouth cowkeeper rushes into print, raises the price of his creamless milk, and gives his own version of the transaction.If a little less of thc cream had been removed, the public, as well as the policeman, might have been imposed upon. I n this instance, as the mean of two very careful analyses, I returned the milk as containing .2 per cent. of fat, which equals 1 per cent.of cream. Thousands of analyses have shown that if the milk from all the cows in England was mixed together, the Analyst would obtain from a fair sarnple about 3 per cent of fat. No cow in health, either abroad o r a t home, ever produecd milk, when fairly milked, with so small a pexccntage of cream as was sent to me, I say when fairly milked, for I am perfectly a m r e of the dodges of cowkeepers, and I know very well that a milkman can if he choses, by selecting certain portions, produce samples of milk with B somewhat low percentage of cream, such selected portions never being found in commerce, fsr I think the whole milking is mixed together.I will buy any cow, certified to be in perfect health and properly fed, which when milked by me or in my presence, gives less than -2 per cent.of fat, and shew i t as a curiosity. I t is almost dificuit to treat the matter srriously; but if the dairymen of Stonehouse really desired experiments to be instituted upon the amount of cream their cows produced before they advanced the price of their milk, the experimental cow should certainly have been pronounced healthy by a competent veterinary surgeon, and, above all, sboultl have been milked by some intelligent, uninterested person.As the matter stands, the whole affair wears the aspect of a conspiracy. I assert that (1) the milk was dciiberately and ictcntionally skimmed, or ( 2 ) the milk sent was from certain selected portions of the whole milking, or (3) that the cow was diseased. Unfortunately for the experiment the trick is a t once too palpable, and has been carried too far.I am, pours truly, A. WYNTER BLYTH. Barnstaple, Ju1g 2 3 4 1877. SIR,-A letter in your paper of to-day is another specimen of “If you have no case bully the witnesses.” I will not attempt to add anything to my former letter. Dr. Blyth insinuates that it may or may not be true that the cow was milked in the presence of a police sergeant.Had the man been a constable of a brief experience, as such he might even then have hesitated to questiou the performance of his duty faithfully, but he is an experieiiced member of the Ylyniouth Force, of twenty years’ standing, and hence he may well feel insulted at the statement made, Sergeant Nonkley would not risk his reputation for the sake of the cowkeepers or any body of men.6‘ I hereby certify that I went by direction of Mr. Superintendent Wreford to Kr. Sayer’s field, saw a COW milked, filled three bottles with said milk, and prior to the cow being milked saw the bucket and bottles wiped perfectly dry. I also sealed the bottles, and they did not go out of my sight during my filling and sealing them with the Plymoutk constabulary seal.-(Signed) RICHARD J~ONKLEY.” Dr.Blyth says, ‘‘ the trick is at once too palpable, and had been carried too far. If a little less of the cream had been removed, the public, as well as the policeman might have been imposed upon.” I will not venture to comment on this, but leave the certificate of the police-sergeant to answer such an attempt to evade the matter, and make my former letter a lie.I here most emphatically deny that the milk from the cow was in m y way tempered with. The public will be able to judge between the statements of the police- sergeant and Dr. Blyth. I assert that there has been no attempt a t ‘‘ conspiracy,” but on hearing that the Stonehouse dairyman had been fined, and knowing the questions put by a Stonehouse dairyman, I was desirous of ascertaining for myself, and getting the milk froK my COW. I quite thought that to apply to Mr. Superintendent Wreford, of the Plymouth police, would be as good a course as possible to pursue, seeing that the superintendent of Stonehouse police was the prosecutor in the Stonehouse cases. Dr. Blyth says, ‘(The cow should have been milked by an experienced and disinterested person.” H e had GO knowledge of the sergeant‘s coming, nor, uiitil the bottles were filled, did he know for what purpose the illilk was obtained. Blr. E ~ ~ d l e , veterinary surgeon, has professionally seen the cow to-day, and certifies that the cow is perfectly heal;hy, and has been so for some time past. H e certifies as follows :- The man mas both. Yours truly, 4, Jamcs Street, Plymouth, Jidy 8Wi, 1877. m. SAYER.

ISSN:0003-2654    

DOI:10.1039/AN8770200101

出版商:RSC    

年代:1877

数据来源: RSC

摘要:

THE ANALYST. 103 ANALYST’S REPORT. The report of Mr. W. L. Scott, analyst for North Staffordshire, was presented to the Board. It stated that 270 samplcs of food had been analysed by him, and most of the articles had been found to be more or less adulterated. He did not advise prosecutions, except in the worst cases, until the laws had become better known. He would have t o recommend, subject to the approval of the clerk of the peace, several prosecutions, two of them being for the sale of adulterated spirits.I n a letter received subsequently, Mr. Scott said that it would be necessary that in future 250 samples should be submitted t o him every quarter, and if the food inspectors did not receire instructions to make the purchases it was hopeless to attempt the improve- ment of the food products.3Ir. Gilbertson said that during the first three quarters of a year after his appobt- ment A h . Scott did nothing, and it was a question whether he was entitled to anything except for the last quarter, during which period he is said to hare made nnalysep, but he had n o t furnished the usual certificates.104 THE ANALYST. The Chairman said that the analyst himself appointed the food inspectors, and directed them to procure samples. The Act of Parliament directed that the medical officer of health, inspector of nuisances, or weights and measures, under the direction and at the cost of the local authority appointing him, should procure samples and submit them to the analyst.I t also laid down that the analyst should receive payment and give a certificate.The analyst had induced the officer without the consent of Colonel Lindsay, to send him samples, and had now asked for payment, no doubt before the analysis had really taken place. He (the chairman) thought the samples were improperly obtained, as Mr. Scott had no business to direct the officers to do what they had. It seemed to be a case of over zeal on the part of a gentleman who was paid by fees.He (the chairman) mould, therefore, propose that the clerk of the peace communicate with the analyst, desiring him to confine himself to samples sent by public officers, and not in future to give them any orders t o procure samples for analysis. He would also move that in cases in which proceedings were directed Colonel Lindsay be requested t o lay down the regulations for the conduct of the prosecutions, As Mr. Scott chose to play such a prank he thought he ought to be made to wait for his money until October. After some discussion it mas resolved to pay the public analyst his salary and g100 on account of his bill of fees.-- Western Had. Mr. 3 V . 1;. Scott has resigned his situation as analyst for the northern division of the county of Stafford.

ISSN:0003-2654    

DOI:10.1039/AN877020103b

出版商:RSC    

年代:1877

数据来源: RSC

摘要:

104 THE ANALYST. LAW REPORTS. ADULTERATED SoDA-wATER.-The Cambridge magistrates have inflicted a fine of $5 upon &h. John Yeomans, a chemist in that borough, for selling adulterated soda-water, The public analyst (Mr. Apjohn) certified that the samples he analysed contained no sodium bicarbonate, but 0.16 grains of copper in the gallon, and also a minute quantity of lead. In his opinion soda-water containing this quantity of copper and lead waa injurious to health. Defendant said he was very careful in bis manufactory ; the vessels were tin-lined so as to avoid contamination, and he did not know how the copper got in.As to the absence of soda, the people did not require a soapy compound, and he made some of the water with and some without soda, to suit their requirements. I t was pointed out that defendant should not have sold the article for soda-water.CURIOUS ADULTEEUTION.-charles Frampton was summoned under the Adulteration of Food Act for selling an article of food called oatmeal, which contained a mixture of 30 to 40 per cent. of wheat flour and barley meal. Defendant pleaded guilty, and stated that he sold it in the same state as he received it from the manufacturer.CASTOR OIL PILLs.-At the Christchurch Petty Sessions on July 30, before the Hon. R. Douglas and six other magistrates, Alexander Duncan, chemist and druggist, of Conimercial Road, and Lansdowne Crescent, Bournemouth, was summoned for having unlawfully sold a certain drug which was not of the nature, substance, and quality of the article aslied for, to wit, castor oil pills, to the prejudice of the purchaser.The defendant pleaded not guilty. Superintendent White, said that on June 23, he went to Duncan’s branch shop at Lansdowne, and asked for a shilling’s worth of castor oil pills, he was served with a box containing a number of pills, for which he paid a shilling. He then told the assistant that he was going to send them to the public analyst to be analysed, and offered to divide them.The assistant said it was not necessary. The same day he sent them to Mr. Arthur Angell, the county analyst, and on July 1, he received a certificate from him. The certificate stated that in the analyst’s opinion the sample of pills contained rhubarb, afoes, pepper- mint oil, and soap, and that the application of the term castor oil to these pills was a dangerous practice, and might be attended with injurious results by leading the purchaser to understand that the active ingredient of the pills was castor oil.The very gist of the offence, Fined ;El and costs. Mr. Lacey addressed the Bench on behalf of the defendant.THE ANALYST. 105 he observed, was that it should be “to the prejudice of the purchaser,” and it could not be said that the purchaser had been prejudiced in this case.These pills had been known to the public and to the medical and chemicd profession for several years as castor oil pills, and it had been universally the custom to call them so. The pills in question were very much more valuable than pills made of castor oil would be ; but only one grain of castor oil could be contained in one pill, so that it would take from 200 to 400 pills for one dose.The custom originated at Bournemouth, through people who desired a mild aperient asking for castor oil pills, and being supplied with something very much better. This could not be to the prejudice of the purchaser. The Chairman said it was argued in the gin case that the purchaser was not prejudiced by having 27 per cent. of water mixed with the gin, as the weaker the dilution the less harm it would do him, but the Bench ruled that the purchaser was entitled to have what he asked for.Mr. Lacey said this case was different. There was no castor oil at all in the pills. The Chairman: This is the case of a purchaser asking for one thing and getting another.Jar. Lacey then called the defendant, who said-The pills in question are a compound of rhubarb, aloes, myrrh, Boap, peppermint, and treacle, and are the mildest aperient mentioned in the Pharmacopceia, and safe for the most delicate constitution. I have heard of these pills being sold as castor oil pills, and I believe that people know them as such. I myself have never sold them under that name, but I know that it is the custom to do so. Pills made of castor oil would be dangerous if relied upon for the ordinary action of castor oil, as an ordinary dose would have no effect.A serviceable dose would be two table- spoonfuls or 600 pills. He was in the habit of selling these pills as compound rhubarb pills. He believe it had been the custom for many years to sell them as castor oil pills.I n reply to questions, the defendant said there was no nitre in sweet spirit of nitre, nor any hartshorn in spirits of hartshorn, nor any cream in cold cream, All these names are well understood to be misnomers. Mr. Green, chemist, of Christchurch, said he had been in the habit for 26 or 30 years of selling a mild aperient-generally compound rhubarb pills-as castor oil pills, by which name people asked for them.He had done this in four or five counties in which he had lived. The action of compound rhubarb pills was similar to that of castor oil, but not quite so quick. 1 believe these pills were SO named in consequence of some proprietor of patent medicines, bringing out pills under the name of castor oil pills.Gradually the public came to ask for them in small quantities, and it had been the custom in all parts of England to sell, under that name, such pills as those supplied in this case. The pills described in the certificate would be more expensive than pills made of castor oil would be. He also said that Vinegar-of-four-thieves does not really contain thieves, Epsom salts were not made at Epsom, but in the North of England, and there were no violets in violet powder, nor was Dragon’s blood procured from the dragon.Mr. Robert Chipperfield, chemist and druggist, of Southampton gave similar evidence, and said there were many instances of mis-leading names given to the articles by the public, but he did not know that they Were bound to educate every one who came to their shops and tell him the composition of these articles.I n delivering the decision of the Bench, the Chairman said the evidence which had been given for the defence did not touch the fact that Mr. White had asked for one thing and been served with another, but only had shown the existance of a custom in the trade which they admitted as evidence in mitigation. I t was a singular custom, however, and the sooner it was left off the better. I t would be much better when the public asked for castor oil pills to tell them, ‘‘ There are no such pills in the trade, but we can give you something which will answer the purpose as well.” At all events the intention of the Act was perfectly clear-to give the public a right to have what they ask for, or be told that they could not get it. The penalty they should inflict was a very light one, because they thought it quite probable that the chemist in this case acted in good faith and was not aware of the law as it existed. They fined the defendant Is. and 19s. 6d. costs. Mr. Lacey : Which was better than the thing he asked for.

ISSN:0003-2654    

DOI:10.1039/AN8770200104

出版商:RSC    

年代:1877

数据来源: RSC