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Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 13, Issue 657, 18 February 1869, Page 3

Peoghwiss or Applied Chemistry.— The Philadelphia Bulletin, sap There may be seen daily, ia Ohesnut-streot, a man clad in faultless apparel, with a great diamond upon bis breast vainly endeavoring to outglitter the magnificent solitaire upon his finger. In a Herman university ho learned chemistry and not even Liebig knows it better. His occupation is the mixing and the adulteration cf liquors, (dive him a dozen cssks ol deodorised alcohol, and the next day each of them will represent the name of a genuine wine or a popular spirit. He enters a wholesale drug store bearing a large basket upon his arm. Five pounds of Iceland moss are first weighed out for him. To raw liquor this imparts a degree of smoothness, oleaginousness, that gives to imitation brandy the glibness of that which is best matured. An astringent called that would almost close the mouth of a glass inkstand is next in order. A coup's of ounces of strychaiue next called for, are quickly convoyed to the vest pocket, and a pound of sulphate of zinc (white vitriol) is as silently placed in the bottom of the basket. The oil of cognac, the sulphuric acid* and other articles that gives fire and body to the liquid poison, are always kept in store. The mixer buys these things in various quarters, They are the staples of his art,"