8 



protective coatings for, structural iron and boilers, lime and 

 sandlime products, cement, vitrified brick, and other structural 

 materials show the calcareous and siliceous resources of the Phil- 

 ippine Islands nd give hope for a substantial decrease in the 

 cost of permanent construction. Studies have been made of light 

 fireproof construction material that may be substituted for nipa. 

 The standardization of weights and measures is a regular duty 

 of the Bureau of Science. The re-standardization of provincial 

 and municipal standards and the standardization of instruments 

 of precision are also carried on. A large number of analyses of 

 waters from various sources and a study of the best treatment 

 for eradicating harmful bacteria and for purifying water sup- 

 plies; are carried on. A study of anticorrosive paints is in pro- 

 gress and should lead to practical results. The Government 

 spends thousands of pesos each year in applying poor paint. 

 Paints that are satisfactory in a temperate climate may be en- 

 tirely unserviceable under the different conditions of service in 

 a tropical climate. 



An organic chemist represents the Bureau of Science on the 

 Food and Drugs Inspection Board, and samples of foods and 

 drugs in accordance with the demands of the Food and Drugs 

 Act are analyzed. The organic chemists have carried on a large 

 amount of research work on beriberi and its prevention and 

 cure, on the composition and characteristics of Philippine fruits, 

 copra production, papaya gum, perfumes and essential oils from 

 native plants, etc. A preparation for the extermination of anay 

 in an infested building is regularly prepared. The chemical 

 analyses of paper textiles, oils, soaps, etc., are performed. The 

 people have been safeguarded by passing judgment on various 

 devices offered for sale ("oxypathor," "electrolytic water ster- 

 ilizer," worthless compounds, etc.) Medico-legal work of vari- 

 ous kinds is performed. 



The Bureau of Science Iloilo sugar laboratory established in 

 accordance with Act No. 1896 of the Philippine Legislature is 

 engaged in umpire polarizations of sugar and in the instruction 

 of planters as to the best methods and time of cutting cane, 

 sugar boiling, operating mills, etc. This work should be greatly 

 extended, for in modern mills a slight error in judgment fre- 

 quently means a large loss. Some modern mills are producing 

 only a little better sugar and securing only slightly greater ex- 

 tract than the crude, old-fashioned plants, because they have no 

 trained personnel. The yield and quality of sugar produced in 

 the Philippines is much below what it should be. The best way 

 to improve and increase the sugar production of the Philippine 



