THE SELECTIOK OF THE BEAN. 



31 



to have been treated with some powder containing the same sub- 

 stances as those in the above olive-green powder. 

 The amoimts of foreign adulterants were — 



Per cent. 



No. 1 0.68 



No. 2 0.19 



No. 3 0.08 



Per cent. 



No. 4 0.64 



No. 5 0.63 



No. 6 0.58 



The "uncolored" berries were what was claimed for them, 

 viz., free from any adulteration. 



The Government chemist, in referring to the above, said : 



" The foolish demands of the people are the direct cause for 

 the manipulation of coffee. Yet this is no reason why the na- 

 tional legislature should not enact laws, and have them rigidly 

 enforced, preventing the use of poisonous compounds." 



There can be but little doubt that these added coloring matters 

 must prove injurious, and, probably, directly poisonous to the con- 

 sumer. Especially is chromate of lead liable to be changed by 

 roasting, so that its lead may be soluble in the acids of the stomach ; 

 and it is well known that soluble lead salts have a decidedly poi- 

 sonous action. 



