ADULTERATION OE BLACK HELLEBORE ROOT. 283 
“Mr. Wontner reminded him that he had stated that the 
whole of the animal was affected, whereupon 
“Dr. Letheby said the whole of the animal was, no doubt, 
affected by it, but it was not so easy to point out the disease 
in the shoulders. 
“ Mr. Wontner said Mr. Bonsor did not contest the order 
on account of the value of the sheep, as he was only the 
salesman. A very important principle, however, was involved, 
which would affect every salesman in the market, and every 
grazier in the country most seriously; for it was a well-known 
fact that half the sheep that came to London presented the 
same appearance when killed. Inspector Newman had been 
a baker, and Inspector Davidson a hair-dresser, before follow¬ 
ing their present occupations. They could not possibly have 
the same practical knowledge that salesmen and butchers 
had. With regard to the meat in question, it had been sold 
to one of the witnesses present at a sound meat price, and he 
was even then willing to take the carcase awav at the same 
price. It had also been seen by the other inspector of the 
market (Fisher), who had pronounced it good, sound meat. 
Under these circumstances he trusted the Court would not 
make the order. 
“Alderman Finnis said the disease was apparent on the 
inside of the carcase, and as Dr. Letheby had sworn that it 
w r as unfit for food, he could not do otherwise than con¬ 
demn it.” 
We can but express our admiration of the keen sense of 
responsibility displayed by the magistrates in supporting the 
opinion of Dr. Letheby. For our own parts, w r e should most 
implicitly have taken the verdict of a brace of London 
aldermen as to w T holesomeness of a joint of meat. What 
higher court of appeal is there in such a matter? Dr. 
Letheby’s opinion is, no doubt, sound in theory, yet there 
may be room for a little discretion and common sense in the 
application of it.— Lancet. 
ADULTERATION OE BLACK HELLEBORE ROOT (HELLEBORUS 
NIGER) WITH THAT OE THE BANE-BERRY (ACTJUA 
SPICATA). 
Professor Bentley, in a communication in the Pharmaceutical 
Journal , states that he has frequently noticed the above adul¬ 
teration to exist, and which he thinks has been overlooked. 
Both the plants belong to the natural order Ranunculaceae, 
but their properties are very different. 
