Analytical chemistry and the law: Progress for half a millennium

Chemistry has been used for the detection of adulteration since the earlies t times of recorded history going back at least 3 1/2 millennia. Since the invention of printing the subject is easier to follow. Aspects of law and i ts application via chemistry in regard to precious metals, food, drink and medicinal materials are reviewed over the last half millennium with particu lar reference to the U.K.