no Dec, 1909.] Analyses of Arsenate of Lead. 753 



AXALYSES OF SAMPLES OF ARSENATE OF LEAD. 



The question of tlie quality and efficacy of the various brands ot 

 Arsenate of Lead, which are now on the market, has been occupying the 

 attention of the fruit-growers of this State, and the subject has aroused 

 considerable interest. For the purpose of ascertaining the quality and 

 genuineness of the preparations supplied to those engaged in the fruit 

 industry, samples have been obtained from various sources by the Govern- 

 ment Analyst and Chemist for Agriculture, who has submitted them to a 

 •careful analytical examination, and the result of the analyses is now published 

 for the information of those concerned. All of the samples were found to be 

 true to name, and little or no soluble arsenite was present. This may be 

 considered to be very satisfactory, as, notwithstanding the high price of 

 arsenic acid, there was no adulteration from the use of the cheaper arsenious 

 acid. Comparing the analyses, it will be noticed that the moisture contents 

 in the different samples vary considerably, and that, in almost all cases, a 

 high moisure content is accompanied by a low arsenic acid percentage. 



Included in the list of samples examined are two preparations made up 

 by Inspector Hammond, of the Department of Agriculture. The first sample 

 was made from the formula recommended by the Department ; and the same 

 formula was used in the preparation of the second sample, l)ut the arsenate 

 of lead was subsequently washed in order to rid it from certain chemicals, 

 other than arsenate of lead, which are formed in the process of manufacture. 

 The arsenate of soda used in the manufacture of these two samples was also 

 submitted to chemical analysis, and the percentage of arsenic acid contained 

 in it is shown in the statement. 



* Two samples made from Departmental formula — Xo 1. without treatment, No. 

 "2 washed. 



t Arsenate of Soda used in making preparation. 



P. RANKIN SCOTT, 

 1 1th November, 1909. Government Analvst for Victoria. 



