The BabcocTc Test. 37 



ICtU-llUg 



A 



A pair of dividers (Fig. 12) will be found convenient 

 for measuring the fat, and the liability of error in reading 

 is decreased by their use. The points of the 

 dividers are placed at the upper and lower limits 

 of the fat column (from a to b in Fig. 11). The 

 dividers are now lowered, one point being placed ' FlQ 12 ' 

 at the zero mark of the scale, and the mark at Dividers, 

 which the other point touches the scale will show the per 

 cent, of fat in the sample tested. The dividers must be 

 tight in the joint to be of use for this purpose. 



42. An apparatus called the Calometer, for measuring 

 the column of fat in bottles with plain, ungraduated necks, 

 has been placed on the market of late. While the theory 

 of the apparatus is correct, there are practical objections 

 to its use, which are likely to prevent its general 

 adoption. 



B DISCUSSION OF THE DETAILS OF THE 

 BABCOCK TEST. 



43. Although the manipulations of the Babcock test 

 are few and comparatively simple, various difficulties 

 may be met with in using it, particularly in the hands of 

 beginners. 



The main points that have to be observed as to appa- 

 ratus and testing materials in order to obtain correct and 

 satisfactory results by this test will now be considered, 

 and such suggestions and help offered, as has been found 

 desirable from an extensive experience with a great 

 variety of milk samples, apparatus, and accessories. 



