LXXII THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 
Among new drugs, which take, in whole or in part, the place of older 
drugs, I need only refer to the numerous synthetic substitutes derived 
from coal tar, and from the alcohols. Among food stuffs we may note 
the various commercial glucoses; acid phosphate of lime as a component 
of baking powders and effervescent beverages; cotton seed oil and 
stearin, which largely take the place of olive oil and lard; while the 
newer preservatives, salicylic and benzoic acid, formaldehyde, boracic 
and hydrofluoric acid, are of common knowledge. When we think of 
the increased opportunities for fraudulent imitation which are afforded 
by the use of dyes and artificial flavouring materials, quite unknown 
till recent years, we can easily understand why the systematic inspec- 
tion of foods has become a matter of consequence and one deserving 
of Government recognition. 
So far as England is concerned, legislative interference with food 
production and distribution dates back to the fourth year of the reign 
of John 1203 when the Assize of Bread, limiting the bakers’ profit, 
became Jaw. From the date named, laws affecting bakers, millers, 
brewers, pepperers, &c., were enacted from time to time, and were 
made effective with more or less benefit to the community, and it must 
be confessed, with frequent hardship to the industry affected. The first 
general Act concerning Adulteration of Food, was passed in England in 
1860; and after twelve years of rather unsatisfactory trial was re- 
cognized as ineffective, and a new Adulteration Act was passed in 
1872. Both Acts were in force until 1875, when, on recommendation 
of a Select Committee of Parliament, the existing Sale of Food and 
Drugs | Act became law in England. 
This Act is of particular interest to Canada, since it formed the 
basis or type of the first “Act to prevent the Adulteration of Food” 
which became law in Canada in the same year. Effect was given to our 
Act by the appointment of Analysts and Inspectors, under its provi- 
sions, in 1876. The following gentlemen were the first Analysts named 
in Canada :— 
R. G. Fraser —Halifax—June 14th, 1875. 
Dr. J. Baker Edwards—Montreal—July 1st, 1875. 
Dr. W. Hodgson Elis—Toronto—May 15th, 1876. 
Professor Larue—Quebec—June 6th, 1876. 
Of these four gentlemen, only one remains with us; an honoured 
member of the Mathematical and Chemical Section of the Raval Society, 
Professor W. H. Ellis. 
Later appointments under the Adulteration Act, are the following :— 
1879—Mr. W. F. Best—St. John, N. B. 
1882—Dr. M. Fiset—Succeeding Dr. Larue—Quebec. 
we 
