Sessional_Paper_1902 — Page 858

BLOOD STAINS.

759

10. No less than sixty articles consisting of clothing and weapons were examined.

BUILDING MATERIALS.

11. Samples of lime, mortar, cement, and red earth have been sent for analysis. A good sample of Chinese red earth contained the following constituents in 100 parts:-

Silica,.... Alumina, Ferric oxide, Water,

....63.8

..20.8

4.4

.10.0

99.0

The analysis showed the material to be derived from granite, of which some of the constituents had been removed in the process of weathering. Viewed under the microscope the earth was seen to be almost entirely in sharp crystals. Such red earth if used instead of sand for mixing with lime would form a strong and durable mortar.

LIME.

12. Although it is not difficult to prepare good lime, it appears that much of that used in Hongkong has been so much exposed to atmospheric conditions as to be greatly impaired for building purposes.

CHINESE DRUGS.

13. Seventy-one were sent to the laboratory for identification, and, in the case of mixed drugs, for the presence therein of noxious constituents.

EXAMINATIONS FOR THE PUBLIC.

The

14. A considerable number of articles of various kinds have been examined for the public. list comprises ores, coals, liquor, milk, lime, cement, petroleum, opium, medicine, chloride of lime, and

For these examinations the public have paid $1,380.50 in fees.

water.

SPECIAL REPORTS.

15. Special reports have been supplied on:-

Disinfection of No. 5 District. Quicklime.

Phosphorus.

Dross opium.

Condensed milk.

Naphtha.

Mortar from fallen houses.

Sulphuric acid.

Chinese medicines for an abcess.

Aqua fortis.

Classification of certain articles for trade-marks.

Cracker factory.

Analyses for the public.

Gunpowder Bill.

Petroleum fuel. Asbestos.

16. Value of the work done.—The value of the analyses performed as determined from the tariff of charges published in Government Notification No. 664 is $3,282.50. This amount does not include the value of the analyses undertaken in connection with the Special Reports (See para.15); also, there is much other work in connection with the laboratory for which nothing has been set down.

17. Library.—A few standard works have been ordered so as to bring the library up to date.

I have the honour to be,

THE PRINCIPAL CIVIL MEDICAL OFFICER.

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

FRANK BROWNE, PH. CH., F.C.S., (for some time a Demonstrator in the Laboratories of the Pharmaceutical Society,)

Government Analyst.