490 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



cent, above the standard of strength, the quantity of acetic acid 

 in these samples was exceedingly small. 



The conclusions deduced from the examination of samples of 

 pickles were, that nineteen out of the twenty samples of pickling 

 vinegar submitted to analysis owed a large portion of their aci- 

 dity to sulphuric acid. The largest quantity of this acid was 

 detected in jjickles of red cabbage; that in the whole copper was 

 present in considerable quantity; and in one copper was present 

 in an amount deleterious; and in two, in amount which might be 

 considered poisonous. The pickles which contained the largest 

 quantity of copper were those which consisted entirely of green 

 vegetables, as gherkins, beans, &c. 



Out of twenty-one samples of ground ginger submitted to ex- 

 amination, no less than fifteen, being more than two-thirds of the 

 whole, were found to be adulterated; that the substances detected 

 were various in character, including sago meal, potato flour, 

 wheat flour, ground rice, cayenne pepper, mustard, rusks, and 

 turmeric powder; these occurring in various quantities, but in the 

 majority of cases constituting the principal part of the article. 



Thirty-one samples of cinnamon were submitted to examina- 

 tion, and out of the whole seven were genuine, and five consisted 

 of nothing but cassia. The prices per ounce for cassia is twelve 

 cents, and for cinnamon twenty-five cents. That out of nineteen 

 samples of ground cinnamon, three consisted entirely of cassia; 

 that ten samples were adulterated with baked wheat flour, or 

 sago meal, separately or in combination. East India arrow-root 

 and potato flour were likewise detected. 



Eighteen samples of nutmegs were examined, and found to con- 

 tain their essential oil, a result contrary to the opinion commonly 

 entertained on this point, as it was supposed that they were de- 

 prived of this before they reached the consumer. 



As to mixed spice, the conclusions were, that out of 26 sam- 

 ples subjected to microscopic examination, no less than 16, or 

 considerably more than one-half, were adulterated. 



With respect to cayenne pepper, the conclusions deduced were, 

 that out of 28 samples subjected to analysis, 24 were adulterated; 

 and out of these 22 contained mineral coloring matters; that red 

 lead, often in large and poisonous quantities, was present in 13 

 samples; that Venetian red, red ochre, or some other analogous 

 ferruginous earths, were contained in several samples; that cinna- 

 bar, Vermillion, or sulphuret of mercury, was discovered; that 

 six of the samples consisted of a mixture of ground rice, turme- 



