Preparation of samples of sugar for polariscopic examination (ca. 1922)
-from NIST Photographic Collection, Sugar Laboratory at NBS
In 1901 NBS assumed responsibility for the standardization of the apparatus used by customs chemists as a result of disputes over sugar analysis that had plagued scientists and merchants for over 70 years. The Bureau developed a new set of regulations for sugar analysis, stipulating that plans for new sugar labs were to be approved by the Secretary of the Treasury and testing equipment used was to be standardized by NBS. The sugar lab depicted in the photo is where samples of extremely pure sucrose and dextrose were prepared for the calibration of saccharimeters.
