M 85
The results were as follows:
Poison. Number of Cases. Opium found 1 Lysol found 1 Animal toxins found 5 Alcohol and acetaldehyde found 6 Heroin found 1 Unknown alkaloid found 1 Gelsemium elegans found 1 No poison found 20 Total 46Two packets of medicinal cachets were submitted for examination by the Police. A patient had taken an overdose and died. Analysis showed that each cachet contained 6.5 grains of Veronal.
In May a sample of infusion of tea was submitted. It was suspected that urine had been added to it. Tests for urea and uric acid gave absolutely negative results showing that the suspicions were unfounded.
A bottle of liquid was seized by the Police, in the possession of a man whom they suspected of using it for an unlawful purpose. The contents proved to be strong nitric acid containing some sulphuric acid as an impurity.
In August, the viscera from a young Chinese woman were received from the Kowloon mortuary. The woman was supposed to have committed suicide by taking some Chinese herbs. The alkaloid gelsemidine, the active principle of Gelsemium elegans was isolated from the stomach contents, from the walls of the stomach itself, and from the liver. The total quantity isolated was 1.09 Grains.
DANGEROUS GOODS.
Five samples of fire crackers were submitted by the Police to ascertain if they contained any prohibited ingredient. Analysis of the explosive showed them to conform with the Regulations.
The Clowes-Redwood apparatus for the detection of inflammable vapour was used on 70 steamers during the year. The apparatus has been re-designed and in its latest form has proved to be much more convenient and efficient.
16 samples of fuel oil were examined for the Naval Authorities to ascertain if they conformed with the Admiralty specifications.