THE DRUG TRADE. 
657 
extract. The remaining sixteen did not nearly approach the sample specimen 
in ai>y one quality. The quantity of extract was short, the colour weak, and 
in sometimes not a trace of spirit to be found ! 
It seems the general opinion that drying the opium is not of the slightest con¬ 
sequence. Any one who has tested samples of opium must be aware of the great 
difference in the quantity of water present in different samples, utterly prevent¬ 
ing any calculation of putting an extra quantity of .the crude drug to make up 
for loss. Nothing can fairly compensate for the very simple process of drying 
and coarsely powdering. 
The standard tincture before-mentioned, had a very dark browm colour, 
yielded 21 grains of hard extract per ounce. 
For the sake of accuracy a sand bath was prepared, on which the same quan¬ 
tity of all the samples to be tested were evaporated to dryness at the same time, 
so that the heat should be the same in every one. 
The following were analyses of six of the samples:— 
Nos. 1, 4, and 5 were from three of the most respectable firms, and 2 and 6 
from businesses known as doing a good country trade. 
No. 1. Light colour; yielded per ounce 16‘88 gr. of extract, and contained 
48 per cent, of rectified spirit. 
No. 2. Col(»ur very fair; yielded per ounce 14 gr. of extract; contained 36'8 
per cent, of methylated spirit and acetic acid. This firm 'supplies and refits a 
large number of ship medicine chests. 
No. 3. Colour very light indeed ; 12-36 gr. per ounce of extract, 50 per cent, 
of spirit. 
No. 4. Rich dark brown colour; 19-04 gr. of extract per ounce, 60 per cent, 
of spirit. 
No. 5. Colour good ; 18-48 gr. of extract per ounce, 50 per cent, of spirit. 
No. 6 . Blackish-brown colour; 19-87 gr. of extract per ounce. No spirit at 
all in this sample, but evidently made with diluted acetic acid. 
Sulphate of Copper .—The samples of this salt, especially those from firms 
doing much business with farmers, were simply atrocious. A pure sample was 
not obtainable at all. This, however, is not to be wondered at, when we see the 
prices advertised in the permdicals. A pure sample ought to contain,— 
CUSO 4 63-92, HO 36-08. 
The test of ammonia and chlorine is now rendered useless, or nearly so; for the 
adulterant is not sulphate of iron. In many samples sulphates of soda, zinc, etc. 
v.’ere found. 
The following were four of the samples out of eight:—No. 1 was sold to a 
farmer as excellent and genuine. No. 2 and 3 were sold to another as saving 
them much trouble, by being powdered. No. 4 was recommended as something 
superior to everything else known for agricultural purposes, and guaranteed to 
be made from the best blue vitriol! 
No. 1. Oxide of copper.15-39 
Oxide of iron.— 6-23 
Oxide of zinc.— 6-71 
Sulphuric acid.. . . n 32-90 
Water.— 38-77 
100-00 
This sample of blue vitriol (?) had a lightish blue colour, and quite free from 
red efflorescence. The analysis would answer nearly to two parts sulphate of 
copper, and one each of sulphates of iron and zinc. 
