The Sun. — 1862-02-14 (London, England)

THE ADULTERATION OF BREAD.—Out of 32 samples of bread recently analysed by the Zama Analytical Sanitary Commission, alum was found in 17 samples, or more than one half. The quantities ranged, per quartern loaf, between 25.91 grains and 158 09 grains ; and per sack of 92 41b. loaves, between 5 oz. 4 drs. and 33 oz. 2 drs. It appears that as a rule the more respectable high-priced bakers, whobuy the best flour and sell superior bread do not make use of alum, for the employment of which no necessity whatever exists. The principal reason why alum is generally used by the bakers who sell cheap bread is, they are thereby enabled to use a less expensive flour, and to impart to it the colour and appearances which belong to flour of superior quality and of higher price. That the addition of a powerful substance like alum, and in the large quantities detected by TU Lancet Commissioners, is prejudicial to health and is productive of derangement of the digestive organs, is well ascertained. The adulteration of bread with alum is contrary to law, and bakers using it are liable to punishment, both under the Bread Act as well as under the recent Bill for the Prevention of Adulteration; the former Act is, indeed, rarely and at long intervals, enforced ; but the latter, as respects the adulteration of bread as of other articles, is inoperative. It is, therefore, obvious that the law is at present wholly ineffectual in putting a stop to a very scandalous and injurious adulteration of a prime article of daily consumption. EXTRAORDINARY DETERMINATION TO COMMIT SUlClDE.—Yesterday morning, about two o'olock, a man, with his face hideously disfigured, and the flesh charred from the effects of pistol shots, was brought to St. Thomas's Hospital by two police constables. The officers stated that as they were going their beat that morning along a road in the neighbdurhood of Bromley, Kent, they had found the unfortunate man lying. on the pathway in the state in which he then was. Their impression at first was that a murder had been committed, . as no pistol or gun could thatall they must have been be found near, but upon conveying him to the divisional surgeon that gentleman pronouncedy hivromuntdoodb? annodt dead,upon do:temporary remedies, and directed the constables to convey him at once by train sbectixautfofimninitoiisnotgtesdte.nrieoHuisnel injuries to St. Thomas's Hospital.. Mr. Bell (house surgeon of that institution) immediately attended, and found that iefa applied nhoet ssomami there must have been two shots fired, the first directed against the forehead, where the bullet, however, did not enter the skull, but glanced off under the scalp. From the burnt condition of the flesh, the pistol muzzle must been held within an inch of the forehead when the shot was fired. This shot having failed in its effect, the wretched man must have placed the muzzle of the pistol in his mouth for another attempt, because the palate is completely charred, as well as the lips, and though a bullet entered the roof of the mouth, the front teeth had not been broken. Even this shot did not prove fatal, the ball having evidently glanced from the palate and lodged in the neck. Death is, however, almost certain, and may be hourly expected. The name of the unfortunate man is unknown; but from the appearance of his clothes, which were of blue pilot cloth, it is inferred that he belonged to some marine institution. His linen was marked " 9 kt 9. D. 2.„ THE FATAL ACCIDENT IN THE WATERLOOIiOAD.—This afternoon Mr. Sergeant Payne opened an inquest at St. Thomas's Hospital on the body of the unfortunate man Robins, who loet his life by the falling of the pavement in the Waterloo•road on Monday last. Before the inquiry can be fully entered into a survey and examination of the scene of the accident Will have to be made.  IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT  The LORD CHANCELLOR took his seat on the woolsack at fivo o'clock.