XXIV 



INTRODUCTION. 



NATIVE STATE OE TRAVANCOEE. 

 Exports and Imports of Fish Oil by Land and Sea from 1030 to 1039 Malab ar Era. 



1S54-55 1863-64 



There are several modes in which fish-oils are prepared, as well as several descriptions of fish 

 from which they are manufactured. Some oils are contained in the areolar tissue beneath the skin, 

 or between the folds of the lining membrane of the abdomen, or in the substance of the liver. 



From the livers of the Eays, Skates and Sharks is prepared the best fish-liver oil, which is 

 almost invariably extracted by heat. In the Madras Exhibition Report it is stated that the bad 

 taste and smell are due to the employment of the livers of this last family. The gland is removed 

 from the fish and carefully washed, the gall bladder having been rejected, it is then cut into pieces 

 and gently boiled in a large earthen pot for about an hour ; if the heat is excessive the quantity 

 of oil obtained is greater, but it has a rank fishy odour, and its colour is heightened. Whilst the 

 boiling is going on, the fluid is kept stirred about with a wooden spoon, and as the oil floats it is 

 skimmed off. The residue is then allowed to settle for two days, when it is again subjected to the 

 same process, with the addition of filtration for the purpose of clearing away impurities. 



Fish-liver oil should be of a clear amber colour, and its smell and taste almost the same as 

 that of cod-liver oil. The rancid odour and bad taste which are often present are probably due to 

 great heat in boiling ; the admixture of impurities consequent upon proper care not having been 

 taken in the careful preservation of the livers from tainting, or in choosing those most adapted for 

 the purpose. If sulphuric acid be poured on the oil it causes discoloration, the same as in cod-liver 

 oil. Even the most transparent specimen deposits after many nitrations a considerable quantity 

 of white slightly thick grumous matter. 



In the Eeport of the Juries for the Madras Exhibition for 1855 it is stated that the livers are 

 specifically lighter than water, and if when they are cut into any of then- substance flows out in a 



