Work of the Government Chemist

Abstract

THE report of the Government Chemist on the work of the Government Laboratory for the year ending March 31, 1933, shows that the total number of samples examined, nearly 461,000, was smaller by about 12,000 than last year's figure. Work actively progressed in the elucidation of new and improved methods, and in the technique of examination of materials becoming subject to new duties. For example, orders are made from time to time under the Import Duties and Ottawa Agreements Acts which involve changes in the incidence of duty and require the carrying out of many difficult analyses, of a wide range of products; moreover, such analyses frequently require investigation and general inquiries before decisions can be reached. Among the specific investigations mentioned is one group on Trinidad natural gas, which was found to contain only negligible traces of helium. In 20 instances out of 105 samples of non-alcoholic beer, herb beer, and beer substitutes examined, the alcohol ranged from 2 to 6 per cent of proof spirit. Samples of storm water taken from surface water drains in London districts were examined chemically and bacteriologically in connexion with an inquiry into the character of the water concerned; the examination of numerous samples of sea-water has also been continued as a share in an international scheme for the collection of data for hydrographic research. Another phase of the work is designed to ascertain the condition of fishing streams from the point of view of fish life, and the effect of certain types of pollution on fish food. Reference is again made to the fact that since there are no regulations relating to the marking of skimmed or partly skimmed milk cheese, and since there is no standard for cream in Great Britain, no exception could be taken to deficiencies in the fat content of these foods.