New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-05-21

Generally speaking the methods employed In
food laboratories can be manipulated only oy
one who has had at least the usua4 coAese
course IN chemistry well as speciaI ualhilis
IN the examination Of foods. Chemical methooS'
as a rule are not adapted to the use OF those
who have not had such training. Again most
OF the apparatus and chemicals necessary are
entirely beyond the reach of the home. and the
time consumed by the ordinary examination Oh
& food is in itself prohibitive
Yet there are many simple tests that serve to
point out certain forms Of adulteration ana that
can be employed by the careful housewife with
the reagents in her medicine closet and the ap-
paratus in her kitchen The number may be
greatly extended by the purchase Of few arti-
cles that may be procured for a few cents at
any drug store.
In applying these tests one general rule must
always be kept carefully in mind Every one
whether layman or chemist, must famifiarize
himself with q reaction before drawing any
conclusions from it. For instance. before test
ing a sample of supposed coffee for starch, the
method should be applied TO a sample of pure
coffee (Which can always be procured unground)
and 10 a mixture OF pure coffee and starch pre-
pared b. the operator.
Many manufacturers and dealers In foods
nave the ordinary senses so highly developed
Iigent opinion OF the nature of a product or Of
tic character, and sometimes even Of the pro-
portion. OF 8dul,erants present This is espe-
cially true OF such articles coffee, wine salad
oils, hayoring extracts. butter and milk The
housewife finds herself constantly submitting
l!er purchases TO the same test. Her broad ex-
lerence develops her senses OF taste and smell
10 a high degree, and her discrimination is often
sharper anc more accurate than she herself
realizes. To such housewife the food chemist
often appeals and receives valuable assistance
IN many u puzzl!ng problem.
Now. the manufacturer who has developed his
natural senses most highly. appreciates best the
assistance or collaboration of the chemist. who
can often come 10 his relief when his own pow
ers co not avail So the housewife. by a few
simple chemical tests. can broaden her field of
Vision and detect many impurities that are not
evident TO the senses.
VIII give in this and following articles meth
DDS that are adapted 10 this purpose and may
lie applied TO milk butter. coffee, spices. olive
oil, vinegar. jams and jelies and 7avoring ex-
tracts. In addition TO this. some general meth
ods for the detection OF coloring matter and
Ireservatives viii be given The list Of all the
chemicals necessary to perform these tests and
rot found in the ordinary home is a very short
and may be obtained in any pharmacy.
This list is as follows: Turmeric, iron alum,
tincture Of iodine, hydrochloric acid, alcohol,
and Neutrality-suspicious. reagcnt-which while
IT is not kept in stock in any pharmacy, may
readily be prepared there from directions which
will give
All Of the tests which will describe NAV be
performed with utensils found in any well ap-
pointed kitchen. II will be convenient how
ever. TO secure 4 small glass funnel about three
inches in diameter. since filtration is directed in
a huIhDer OF methods prescribed. Filter paper