MITCHELL — SULPHITES AND BISULPHITES. 
143 
wharfs and elsewhere is so unpleasant to more senses than 
one. From a pamphlet received by the last English Mail, 
it appears that Dr. Medlock, the patentee of the application 
just named, has extended his chemical aegis, under the broad 
seal of the Patent Office, over animal food generally, under 
the term of “ a new and simple process for the preserva- 
tion of Meat, Poultry, Fish and other varieties of animal 
food.” It is unnecessary to enter specially into the details 
as published by the patentee of an operation simple in 
itself and of such extensive application : it is enough to say 
that fresh meat may be preserved for a lengthened period 
by being sponged over with the patent solution of Bisul- 
phite of Lime to which a small portion of Salt has been 
added (see Note ). 1 * **1 When the meat is required for use, it 
has only to be soaked for a few minutes in cold water and 
then wiped dry, when it presents no trace of smell or flavor 
beyond that of the original meat. I have ventured to add 
these remarks on the Bisulphites in the hope that their use 
may be appreciated in a Colony where their application may 
be extended with due precaution not only in medical prac- 
tice, but in the manufacture of one of our principal staples, 
and though last not least, to articles of food which, instead 
of appearing on our tables as wholesome and nutritious deli- 
cacies, in too many cases pall on the jaded appetite in the 
unsatisfactory form of salted meats and salted fish. Should 
the results of Doctor Medlock’s patent fully bear out his 
programme, we may anticipate, according to him, that at 
*Note from Dr. Medlock’s Pamphlet. — “In the case of a small family 
* i who wish to keep a leg of mutton or a sirloin of beef for a week in 
“ sultry weather with the thermometer at 90°, take a teacupful of the 
“ Patent Solution of Bisulphite of Lime, a desert spoonful of salt, and 
“ about a quart of cold water, mix in a suitable vessel. Dip the meat 
“ in this mixture for a few minutes, taking care with the end of a cloth 
** to wet it all over, then hang up the joint as usual.” 
