Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1860-05-16
THE ApULTERArING BUSINESS.

Much has been said and written lately rela-
tive to the adulterating of liquors, and the
tricks resorted to by wholesale dealers to make
fortunes in short space of time by poisoning
the people. But adulteration, it appears, does
not extend alone to what we drink, Even the
ordinary articles which come to our tables are
adulterated, and probably to greater extent
than our drinks. This may sound strange !;
but people generally know it to be fact that
not only the milk (and water) is adulterated, !,
but almost every article which comes from the
groceries, in which it is possible to drive the
nefarIous business. On this subject a cotem-
porary says, &c there probably few persons
Ignorant of the fact that articles of food are
more or less adulterated a less number, per-
haps, are informed of the extent of these
adulterations, and their baneful effects upon
health and life. Most European Nations have
been compelled to take strong measures
against these infamous corruptions, which are
In the highest degree an injustice and hard
ship upon the poor. In this country these evil
practices are not less pernicously pursued.
Bread is mixed with plaster of paris, alum, and
sulphate of copper; coffee with chicorv, roast
ed wheat, beans, and mdagel arureet; vinegar
with snlphuric acid sugar with sand, etc.
Wine, which is absolutely necessary for the
poor when recovering from sickness, is fear
fully debased. Frequently, when recommend
ed as wholesome stimulant and astringent, it
has produced gripping, acdity. irritation and
pain. A late investigation in England de-
monstrates that large proportion of domestic
and imported butter is composed of tallow,
-four and beef suet. The latter article is i'm
ported in large quantities for this express pur-
pose. 1t is believed that eggs and meat are
the only kinds of provisions which are sold in
an unadulterated state. The latter is not
above saspicion. 1t is alleged that salted
beef and pork are not &c corned - until the
flesh becomes fetid, and only petty fraction
of the great quantities of city milk, so essen
tial to the healthy nourishment of children, is
retailed in its pure condition. Abuses like
these demand immediate attention. The
weekly mortality of young children in our
large cities is a fearful experience, and so long
as even medicines prescribed by the physician
are adulterated all sanitary regulations are
mockeries. Science alone can alleviate such
evils. There are in our country hundreds of
educated men, good analytical chemists,
without employment. No inspector sshould
be appointed who is not adequate to his posi-
tion, and a skillful and frequent analysis of
suspected provisions, with punishment for
adulteration, is the only sure remedy. Such
officers are shortly to be appointed in England
by late parliamentary enactment. These
are authorized TO enter, at will, any establish
ment, and experiment upon samples of food.
large manufactures engaged in open adultera-
tion, scattering broadcast deleterious and poi
sonous compounds, with death and misery.
OF what avail are temperance reformers in al
cholic purities, when the ordinary comforts of
the table are equally degrading. The matter
calls for redress, and at every pause in rene
dial legislation the spoilers are at work. Ruin
ed constitutions and debilitated systems are the
sure effects of foul adulterations.