43S Dr. Blag den's Supplementary Report , &e. 
be remembered, that 71b. 13 oz. is not the weight of a gallon 
of proof spirit, but of spirit one to six under proof. On that 
proportion the value of proof was computed in the Report, by 
the same rule as Mr. Ramsden has since given, but which it 
was not thought necessary to detail at full length. 
Although, as was said in the original Report, the quantity 
of extraneous substances usually found in spirituous liquors 
does not increase their specific gravity so much as to be worth 
the consideration of Government, yet this is by no means the 
case when such substances are added intentionally. The effect 
of alkalies is well known. Mr.RAMSDEN’s experiments shew 
how great a change of specific gravity is produced by sugar, 
when dissolved plentifully in weak liquors ; and in an expe- 
riment made by order of the Board of Excise, part of sugar, 
put into very strong spirit, reduced its apparent strength no 
less than 1 7 per cent, by Clarke's hydrometer. 
I conclude with observing, that the execution of the expe- 
riments, and of the computations, rested entirely with Mr. 
Gilpin, who is responsible for their accuracy, and entitled 
to the praise they may be found to merit. For the general 
plan, as well as the particular methods adopted, I hold 
myself accountable, and have now so fully stated my reasons 
for what I recommended to be done, that any competent 
person will readily judge of their validity. In this and the 
foregoing Report, I have purposely avoided all philosophical 
deductions, and a comparison with former experiments ; that 
the narrative might not be loaded with any foreign matter, to 
interfere with the practical object for which this business was 
undertaken. 
C. BLAGDEN. 
