1885.] A. Pedler — Corrosion of Lead Linings of Indian Tea Chests. 163 



ed in the box, one side, marked " B," was well damped with fresh water 

 and the other sides left untoached. 



This chest was again kept for several weeks under ordinary circum- 

 stances, and was then examined. Five of the outer sides of the lead lin- 

 ing were quite free from corrosion, but the sixth surface, opposite to the 

 plank marked B, showed very evident corrosion, and considerable amounts 

 of lead carbonate or " v/hite lead " were present over almost the whole 

 surface. This side of the lead lining was examined minutely, and there 

 was no perforation of any kind visible. 



The inner side of the lead lining was also examined and the whole 

 of the interior was perfectly bright and free from all tarnishing and 

 corrosion. The inner side of the corroded part was examined most 

 carefully, but not the slightest evidence of any action could be detected, 

 nor were there any perforations on this side of the lead. 



The wood (seasoned) of this box and also the tea were allowed to 

 remain in contact with moist air containing carbonic acid for many 

 weeks, but no corrosion took place. 



In this case, as there was no perforation of the lead on the side on 

 which the lead was corroded on the external surface. Dr. Watt's explana- 

 tion cannot possibly apply, and the only logical conclusion is that the 

 corrosion was due to the wood. This time also it will be seen the corrosion 

 was brought about not by unseasoned wood, but by seasoned wood which 

 had been subsequently intentionally thoroughly saturated with water. 



Examination of Case No. 3. This was a half chest containing 40ibs. 

 of pekoe souchong tea manufactured in the ordinary way, and the box was 

 made entirely of wild mango wood, but partly seasoned and partly damp and 

 unseasoned. The pieces of wood marked A were the damp and unseason- 

 ed wood of the box. The unmarked planks were of seasoned wood. 



For examination, the tea in its lead lining was removed from the 

 wooden box, and the lead lining presented a very curious appearance. 

 The following is a description of it. 



Side No. 1. The lead lining under the upper or broad plank showed 

 no corrosion : this plank was not marked. The lead lining under the 

 narrow plank, which was the lower piece and was marked A, showed much 

 corrosion. Side No. 2. Under broad unmarked plank practically no 

 corrosion, under narrow plank (marked A) much corrosion. Side No. 3. 

 Under large unmarked plank no corrosion and under small or narrow plank 

 (marked A) much corrosion. Side No. 4. Under broad unmarked plank 

 no corrosion. Top of box under broad unmarked plank no corrosion, and 

 under narrow plank (marked A) much corrosion. Bottom of box. The 

 greater part of the bottom lead was practically free from corrosion, but 

 at its edges it showed marked evidence of corrosion, particularly near 

 two sides of box where i/heve were pieces of wood marked A. 



