Rural School Leaflet 1163 



If the fat column is clouded with dark specks, probably the acid was 

 too strong, or too much was used, or the heat was too great. 



Always keep the acid bottle closed when not in use or the acid will 

 lose strength. Remember that it is a poison and corrosive. 



POINTS TO BE ESPECIALLY NOTED IN MAKING THE BABCOCK TEST 



H. E. Ross 



1. Be sure to mix the sample of milk thoroughly before drawing it 

 out with the pipette. 



2. When measuring a sample of milk with the pipette keep the index 

 finger dry. 



3. When measuring a sample of milk keep the mark on the pipette 

 on a level with the eye. The same precaution should be observed when 

 reading the percentage of fat after the test is completed. 



4. Do not try to measure a sample of milk by drawing the milk just 

 to the mark on the pipette. Draw the milk above the mark, as directed. 



5. When adding milk or acid to the test-bottle, slant the bottle. 

 The liquid will then run down the lower inside of the neck of the bottle, 

 and will not be forced out by outcoming air. 



6. Do not hold the bottle so that its mouth points toward yourself 

 or any one else. The action of the acid on the milk produces great 

 heat. This heat often causes the contents of the bottle to spurt out 

 violently. 



7. After adding the acid to the milk, shake the bottle thoroughly 

 until the contents become dark in color. 



8. After using the pipette wash it thoroughly, preferably in hot water. 

 This will tend to prevent the transmission of disease germs from the 

 mouth of one person to another, should any such germs be present. 



9. The tester should be firmly fastened to a solid bench or table. 



10. The person operating the machine should give his or her whole 

 attention to it, and not allow the fingers or clothing to get in the path 

 of the bottle cups. 



11. Remove all objects from the vicinity of the tester. This will pre- 

 vent their being hit by the bottle cups when the machine is in motion. 



12. If acid is spilled use plenty of water, and then add an alkali, such 

 as lime or baking soda, in order to neutralize the acid. 



13. Do not leave the acid bottle uncorked. 



14. Keep all glassware perfectly clean. 



15. After washing the glassware, rinse it thoroughly in clean water 

 so as to remove soap powder. The soap powder and the acid form a 

 violent chemical reaction. 



