34 
FALSIFICATION OF WINE VINEGAR, &C. 
Of these 120 specimens, there were 
97 of pure vinegar, 
17 of vinegar altered by sulphuric acid, 
3 of vinegar containing acrid substances, 
2 of vinegar containing copper, 
1 of vinegar containing lead. 
Our researches induced us to believe, 1. that many of the 
falsifiers, who are extremely ignorant, are not aware that they 
commit a crime by mixing foreign substances with their vine- 
gar; 2. that others, equally ignorant, have purchased recipes 
to render their vinegar stronger, believing that by following 
these recipes they improve their merchandize;* 3. that there 
are others who increase the amount of their vinegar by sul- 
phuric acid, well aware of what they are about, with the de- 
sign not only of rendering it stronger, but of enabling them 
them to maintain a competition and obtain ready sales by un- 
derselling the market. However this may be, and what- 
ever may be the reasons which induce dealers to sophisticate 
the vinegar sold by them, it is to be desired: 1. that correct 
authoritative information, upon the means of recognising the 
falsifications of vinegar should be obtained and published; 2. 
that pharmaceutists, who from their position and the studies 
with which they are occupied, possess the requisite know- 
ledge, should be requested to examine, not only the vinegar, 
but also all other substances supposed to be sophisticated; 3. 
that severe laws should be enacted, which will be able to take 
hold of those who become guilty of a crime which can en- 
danger the public health. t 
* The following recipe, bought by a seller, has been communicated to 
us, as employed successfully abroad to falsify vinegar. 
R. Cremor Tartar, 1 oz ; Sulphuric acid at 50°, 2 oz. Boil in a glass 
vessel, allow the mixture to cool and settle, pour off the clear liquid, which 
is very sour. This liquid in the proportion of several drops to the bottle 
of vinegar increases its strength. 
f We will advert here to the following circumstances ; that, but a short 
time ago, bakers were in the habit of introducing in the preparation of 
bread a poisonous salt, the sulphate of copper, for the purpose of obtaining 
