Detection of Adulterations, "87 



When vinegar has been ascertained to be free from other acids, 

 its strength may be known by observing the quanlity of carbonate 

 of lime dissolved by a given measure. 



Some kinds of vinegar contain a considerable quantity of cream 

 of tartar, which separates in crystals when the liquid is evaporated to 

 a small compass. 



Vinegar, even when distilled, contains a little vegetable matter, 

 which becomes perceptible when the acid is neutralized by alkali, 

 and allowed to stand for some weeks. In testing distilled vinegar 

 for foreign matters, the tests may be applied immediately to the vin- 

 egar, without the intervention of alcohol, as in a preceding instance. 



The detection of the mineral acids in lemon juice, must be at- 

 tempted in the same way as in the case of vinegar ; applying the tests 

 to the filtered juice, or, when testing for hydrochloric acid, to the li- 

 quid obtained by distilling the juice. 



We have now reached the limits which we had proposed to our= 

 selves in commencing the present paper. In detailing processes, we 

 have preserved, generally the form, and always the principles adopt- 

 ed by oiu- authors. Wherever we have differed from them, we 

 have been careful to state the grounds on which our views were 

 founded, and we have avoided too positive a tone, in those instances 

 in which we have not verified our doctrines by actual experiment. 



On a careful examination of the work of MM. Bussy and Bou- 

 tron-Charlard, we are induced to form a very favorable opinion of 

 it, as presenting a fruitful source of valuable and even essential knowl- 

 edge, which cannot be obtained in our own language, without much 

 expense of time and labor. It occupies five hundred and seven pa- 

 ges octavo, and being arranged in the form of a dictionary, is much 

 more convenient, as a book of reference, than it could be, if posses- 

 sing a more scientific form. It is true that the subject might be 

 treated in much more elaborate manner ; new compounds might be 

 introduced, and some of those treated of might be more fully illus- 

 trated ; but until such a work shall appear, we would recommend 

 that in question ; confident ihat it will materially advance a branch 

 of science, in which the physicians of Europe as well as of this 

 country are deplorably deficient. 



