Excerpt from The Farmer's Magazine, Vol. 40: July to December, 1871

Sutton, a well-known anlytical chemist, of Norwich, who, writing to the C/lemical News, says: I would again urge upon those concerned to do away, it possible with the disgraceful distinction of buyers' and sellers analysts. A case occurred to myself a few days ago, in which a sample was well prepared, and divided into two parts, then sealed up in tins, and sent to two well-known men. One reported per cent. Soluble phosphate, the other The low report I proved most conclu sively to be the correct one. The manure, however, was sold by the analysis, which gave 5 per cent. More, and consequently the buyer was requested to pay 158. Per ton more for it than it was worth. Professor Sibson, in one of his circulars, observes, Chemists should not de pute to their pupils a determination or analysis that may perhaps affect seriously the standing of an honest firm. The fact is the work has so increased, and there are so many societies cropping up, and so few really first-rate analysts whose opinions would be taken as final, that they must be somewhat overdone with work, and have far more than they can possibly do themselves. The increase in the number of analyses made is something enormous. Dr. Voelcker reports to the Royal Agricultural Society, that during the year 1870, no less than 580 samples were sent to him by its members alone, 115 over 1869, to say nothing of those sent by others from all parts of the world. However, I believe it is admitted that there does not exist a more conscientious body of professional men, and as a rule, their work is well and carefully done; but when such exceptions as have been mentioned do oc cur, they are indeed serious. I think you will now readily agree with me that the exact value of a manure cannot be told by judging solely of its composition as revealed by analysis, as so much depends on its mechanical tex ture. So on the other hand, we cannot arrive at its real value Without the aid of chemists, and the amount of good they have done in exposing frauds is incalculable. The difficulties here alluded to may be overcome, and I am satisfied that manufacturers, dealers, and farmers will be benefited by the fullest investigation chemical science can devise. See also a letter from Mr. R. Warrington.

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