official inspections 6l. io3 



Results of the Analyses. 



The samples were usually examined within three weeks after 

 they were received from the inspectors. As soon as completed 

 the results of the examination were sent in duplicate to the 

 Chief of the Bureau of Inspection. In case the goods differed 

 essentially' from the standard, hearings were recommended. 



Although, with the exception of the alcohol content in one 

 sample, there is little reason to think there was intentional fraud 

 on the part of the druggists putting up the adulterated prepa- 

 rations, it is rather startling to find half of the preparations, 

 which are simpler to make than a batch of biscuit, differed more 

 than ten per cent from the standard. In several cases the drug- 

 gist apparently entirely forgot to put the essential ingredient, to 

 which the preparation owes its name and upon which its medi- 

 cinal value depends, into the goods. The minor errors of prepa- 

 ration are due to poor graduates and scales, aggravated by 

 unfamiliarity with the metric system of weights and measures 

 that are used in the Pharmacopoeia directions, and accompanied 

 by carelessness. There probably is not a druggist in Maine but 

 what could make any of the preparations here reported upon 

 so that they would be within five per cent of the standard. 



STATEMENT BY THE EXECUTIVE OF THE LAW. 

 A. M. G. SouLE, Chief Bureau of Inspections. 



Collections and analyses of drugs have been made during the 

 year ; an action we are instructed to perform under the statute. 

 For the most part, the articles collected and analyzed have been 

 of the druggist's own manufacture, while in a few instances the 

 samples collected have been purchased from wholesalers. 



It has been brought to the attention of the deputies in the 

 nature of a complaint, that the collections of drugs have con- 

 sisted for the most part of simple compounds. Although it is to 

 be regretted that any complaint or criticism should be made of 

 our methods, it was very gratifying and has brought the feeling 

 that we have not been unreasonable in our request for a product 

 not difficult to manufacture in conformity with the U. S. P. 

 standard. 



