M 165
(8). The total number of samples dealt with under this head was practically the same as for 1935. At the beginning of the year there was a large influx of counterfeit coins purporting to be the new 1935 mixed metal 10 pieces. Most of these coins were made of an alloy of the German silver type, although one batch had practically the same composition as a genuine one. These coins were 'struck' coins, not moulded, and there were minor errors in design. In view of the huge amount of work involved in analysing these coins—batches were being brought in several times a week—and also as these coins could be detected as counterfeit by visual examination, it was decided that, in cases of possession only, these coins should not be brought for analysis. In one case, actual dies and presses for making coins were discovered, these being counterfeit Queen Victoria 5¢ pieces and were of copper, silver-plated. They were exceedingly good copies, and the die was very carefully made.
(9). Apart from these struck coins, there were the normal number of seizures of moulds and coining materials for making soft metal counterfeit coins.
(10). The laboratory has been made use of to a greater extent than ever in connection with police cases, but at times we have been asked to carry out impossible investigations or to produce results in an impossibly short time, especially in connection with examination of post-mortem materials. It apparently is not realised that the identification and estimation of an alkaloidal poison in post-mortem materials is not a task that can be completed in a few hours.
(11). Members of the laboratory staff attended Court on 50 occasions during the year.
Toxicological Examinations.
(12).
Nature of poison No. of samples No poison found 66 Opium (including 2 cases of morphine) 42 Heroin 1 Phenolic or Cresolic Compounds 17 Barbituric acid derivatives 17 Alkaloids of belladonna 5 "" gelsemium elegans benth 5 Glycosides of nerium oleander 3 Strychnine ... Arsenic derivatives 4M 165
(8). The total number of samples dealt with under this head was practically the same as for 1935. At the beginning of the year there was a large influx of counterfeit coins purporting to be the new 1935 mixed metal 10 pieces. Most of these coins were made of an alloy of the german silver type although one batch had practically the same composition as a genuine one.. These coins were 'struck' coins not moulded and there were minor errors in design. In view of the huge amount of work involved in analysing these coins-batches were being brought in several times a week-and also as these coins could be detected as counterfeit by visual examination it was decided that, in cases of possessions only, these coins should not be brought for analysis. In one case actual dies and presses for making coins was discovered, these being counterfeit of Queen Victoria 5¢ piece and were of copper, silver plated. They were exceedingly good copies and the die was very carefully made.
(9). Apart from these struck coins there were the normal number of seizures of moulds and coining materials for making soft metal counterfeit coins.
(10). The laboratory has been made use of to a greater extent than ever in connection with police cases but at times we have been asked to carry out impossible investigations or to produce results in an impossibly short time especially in con- nection with examination of post mortem materials. It apparently is not realised that the identification and estimation of an alkaloidal poison in post mortem materials is not a task that can be completed in a few hours.
(11). Members of the laboratory staff attended Court on 50 occasions during the year.
Toxological Examinations.
(12).
Nature of poison.
No. of samples.
No poison found
66
Opium (including 2 cases of morphine)
42
Heroin
1
Phenolic or Cresolic Compounds
17
Barbituric acid derivatives
17
Alkaloids of belladonna
5
12
""
gelsemium elegans benth
5
3
Glycosides of nerium oleander
Strychnine
Arsenic derivatives
GO
3
4
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