22 ADULTERATED DRUGS AND CHEMICALS. 



every respect. A podophyllin sample was of U. 8. P. quality, but 

 the article delivered contained much material insoluble in alcohol. A 

 linseed-meal sample contained 33 per cent of pure oil. After placing 

 an order on the strength of the sample, two carloads were delivered, 

 which, on examination, proved to contain on the average 35 per cent 

 of oil, having the following properties: Specific gravity at 15 C., 

 0.9055; acid number, 6; saponification number, 99.7. The oil 

 extracted from the linseed meal was highly adulterated with mineral 

 oil, which was added to the flaxseed meal after a part of the natural 

 oil had been expressed. A sample of oil of wormwood of good qual- 

 ity was submitted, but the goods delivered were adulterated with 

 turpentine. A sample of tea sweepings submitted contained 2.64 per 

 cent of caffeine alkaloid. A ton subsequently delivered contained only 

 1.6 per cent of this alkaloid. A sample of caramel possessed a color- 

 ing equivalent of 100, and gave good tests in every respect. On 

 examining a delivery of about 5,000 pounds it was found to have a 

 coloring equivalent of only 80, and deported itself badly in every wa} T . 

 These examples could be largely extended, but the above fully illus- 

 trate existing conditions. 



It will be observed that most of the examples cited represent the 

 larger transactions and usually involve manufacturers and producers. 

 Many members of the American Pharmaceutical Association and the 

 National Wholesale Druggists' Association, and some of the besi 

 informed manufacturers and jobbers, have placed themselves on record 

 as conversant with these undesirable methods and anxious to prevent 

 their use, but they are greatly handicapped by competition. Such 

 men hope to see the day when all druggists, retail or wholesale, will 

 be compelled by some competent authority to deal only in high-class 

 medicinal agents. 



