Tests

For some weeks a committee appointed by the British Medical Association has been at work upon a series of "standardized tests for drunkenness" to be employed in future by the London police.

Last week debate within the committee was alleged to have become "orgastic" as the comparative merits of the following "unstandardized tests already in use" were inquired into:

1) "Enunciatory tests": Repeating successfully one or more of the following phrases: The Leith police dismisseth us; the sea ceaseth and it sufficeth us; truly; rural; British constitution and Methodist Episcopal.

2) "Equilibristic tests": Standing motionless with hands clasped behind head, with feet together; standing on one leg with eyes closed; touching the tip of the nose with one finger with eyes shut; bending down and touching the right toe with the left forefinger; standing with heels together and eyes closed, without wabbling; walking a chalk line.

Despatches reported that the committee was "thoroughly investigating" a device known as "The Automatic Recording Breath-Alcoholic-Content Evaluator."