33 
On the Camphor-tree of Sumatra (Dryobalanops Camphora, Culebr.) ; 
by Dn. W. H. DE VRIESE, Professor of Botany at the Royal Univer- 
sity of Leyden. (Kindly translated from the Dutch by Miss Mary 
ANNE DE VRIESE, for this Journal.) 
For many years past a distinction has been made between the Cam- 
phor-tree of Sumatra and Borneo, and that of Japan and China. The 
Japan or Chinese Camphor-tree is Zaurus Camphora, L., belonging to 
the Laurels. It is a large and sometimes very thick tree, and may be 
recognized at first sight by its shining triple-nerved leaves. The 
camphor is partly obtained from this tree by incisions in the trunk, 
the juice that streams out of it being gathered in bowls. This method 
produces the purest camphor. Another kind is obtained by decoc- 
tion and distillation of the wood in an iron pot, furnished with a cover, 
or covered with another oblong iron pot, filled with straw or reeds. 
The camphor is sublimated by an elevated temperature, adheres to the 
straw, and is exported to Europe in slices. Formerly the camphor 
was only refined in Holland; the process is now known elsewhere also. 
This is the camphor commonly sold in Europe, and is generally of a 
low price. Several other plants, chiefly of the Order Labiate—Mentha, 
Salvia, &e.—contain camphor, but in a small quantity. The camphor 
of Sumatra and Borneo, as well as the tree producing it, was always dum 
supposed to differ from that of Japan and China. At a remote period 
it was thought to be more precious and more medicinal than that of  — 
Japan, and at the present day the camphor of Sumatra is sold ata 
very high price, particularly to the Chinese; that of Japan and China, 
on the contrary, may be purchased at a low price. 
The most varying accounts of the history of the Camphor-tree of 
Sumatra are given both by earlier and more recent authors. Some of 
these notices may be considered as entirely contrary to the truth, others 
are inaccurate, and very few are exact. The examination of c " 
would occupy too much time. 
The Camphor-trees of Sumatra and Borneo were mentioned à in the 
latter part of the sixteenth century. The first mention of it occurs in - 
the “Eerste Scheepvaart der Hollandsche natie naar Oost-Indié, 7 
1595-7,” to be found in “ Begin en Voortgangh van de Vereenigde à 
Nederlandsche Geoctroijeerde O. I. Compagnie ; gedraki: in - am É 
1646." : 
VOL. Iv. ined 
