The Laboratory of the Government Chemist (c1977)

In 1977, Southern Miss held a study abroad program for a summer session in London, England, for the Departments of Criminal Justice, Philosophy, Political Science, and Economics. This six-week session aimed to expand an understanding of difficulties surrounding criminal justice, philosophy, political science, and economics of the time through attending lectures and having access to research facilities. Charles A. Marx, an assistant professor of criminal justice, accompanied the students and led the study abroad program.

The year prior to the study abroad Southern Miss about his time as a Mississippi patrolman and attorney. Marx revealed that at fifteen years old he lied about his age and enlisted in the United States Air Force and served for three years before getting caught and discharged. At twenty-five years old, he became a Mississippi highway patrol officer during the Civil Rights Movement of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Marx recalled that the most difficult event he patrolled during the Civil Rights Movement was in Grenada, Mississippi. Marx stated, “I think what really hurt me was to finally come to realize, there in the streets of Grenada, that the white people saw us not as enforcing the law, but as their ally in repressing the black people, if in fact they were being repressed. I came to realize how we were viewed in the black community by virtue of my exposure to the white community.” In 1964, Marx passed the Mississippi Bar exam and became the attorney for the Mississippi Highway Patrol. Marx retired from the highway patrol in 1976 and became an assistant professor at Southern Miss.

On Friday, July 29, 1977, Southern Miss criminal justice students and staff visited the Laboratory of the Government Chemist in London, England. During their visit, Marx received an informational book. This informational book, titled The Laboratory of the Government Chemist, published by the Department of Industry, describes each of their divisions. Some of the divisions include Customs and Excise A: Alcohol and Hydrocarbon Oils, Customs and Excise B: Tariff Classification and Tobacco, and Health Service. Specifically, the Health Service conducted chemical, physical, and microbiological examinations of medical materials and drugs. This division worked with law enforcement to identify and analyze illegal drugs, examine trace evidence of drugs on a suspect’s personal belongings, and test the suspect’s urine or blood for drug content. The laboratory worked closely with forensic laboratories to teach drug identification methods and standardize procedures done within forensic science laboratories in the United Kingdom. The book also features photographs of laboratory employees conducting tests and research with the laboratory equipment.

In 1842, the laboratory was established in the City of London to regulate the misuse of tobacco because it was outlawed under the Pure Tobacco Act. At the time of the visit, the laboratory provided analytical services for all government departments, gave scientific advice to government departments, and researched analytical chemistry to develop analysis methods. The Laboratory of the Government Chemist primarily focused on the protection of trade and environmental health.

Now, the Laboratory of the Government Chemist, shortened to LGC, is still a supporting entity for the government as a part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is responsible for scientific and technological advancement, sustaining economic growth through innovation, and delivering public services. The LGC facilitates scientific research and development to oversee and improve the quality of food, environment, and consumer products.

This item is available in the Charles A Marx Papers. To view the item or the collection, visit Special Collections in McCain Library and Archives room 305. The library is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you have questions about the collection, contact Lorraine Stuart at .

This item of the month was written by Laci Cartwright, Forensic Science (Chemistry and Biochemistry) Student, Class of 2027.

**Items of the Month featured from 2024 – 2026 will be the work of Southern Miss students who took HON 303, a seminar held in Fall 2024 focusing on archives and special collections.