(Scott Dorsey) writes:

> Actually, I mentioned this to a co-worker who pointed me at:
>
> http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medi...p?newsid=43343
>
> which is an article about a home caffeine test that the Wash U
> medical school folks are developing.
>
> The standard old-fashioned test is to mix with an oxidizing agent,
> then ammonia is added until a color change is seen. In the case
> of tea, you have to clear the tannins out by adding a little bit of
> portland cement first... the cement adsorbs the tannins and gives
> you a cup of clear liquid.

Ugh! I don't mind a touch of ammonia in my cup any more than the next
guy, but portland cement ... !

/Lew
---
Lew Perin /
http://www.panix.com/~perin/babelcarp.html