165 



observed to produce the colour freely. It is of importance, 

 however, that the European merchant, in purchasing for dye 

 purposes, should see that he gets the hard dye-yielding form and 

 not the softer aromatic condition, which is used as a condi- 

 ment. 



The rhizome is still largely used by the European dyers, 

 though the fluctuation in the trade may be viewed as due 

 to the development of the aniline industry. Professor Hummel 

 says of it :- "Notwithstanding the very fugitive character of the 

 colour it yields, it is still much used, especially by the wool and silk 

 dyers for the production of compound shades — olives, browns, &c. 

 It gives a bright yellow colour without the aid of a mordant, but 

 when mordants are used with it, it yields other colours not unlike 

 those obtainable from the yellow dye-woods. The colouring 

 matter of turmeric is one of the few for which cotton has naturally 

 a strong attraction." 



Although turmeric is rich in colouring matter, its want of per- 

 manence is a hindrance to its application as a dye-material. 



Some time back the use of turmeric was almost exclusively limit- 

 ed to printing and dying silks. It is now employed to a vast extent 

 in stuff-dying, forming an important constituent in certain compound 

 colours, especially the so-called " sour-browns. " 



FOOD. 



Turmeric forms one of the indispensable ingredients in curries, 

 and is used for colouring confections, etc. 



MEDICINE. 



Turmeric contains about one per cent, of a volatile oil, to which 

 its odour is due, some starch, a yellow colouring matter called 

 curciimiu, and other unimportant substances. The alkalies change 

 the colour of curcumin to reddish brown ; and boracic acid pro- 

 duces an orange tint ; hence paper tinged with tincture of tur- 

 meric is largely employed as a test of the presence of alkalies. 



Turmeric is not now used as a remedial agent, but is introduced 

 into the pharmacopoeias as a test of the presence of alkalies. For 

 this purpose the British Pharmacopoeia directs unsized white paper 

 to be steeped in tincture of turmeric and dried by exposure to the 

 air. It is also occasionally employed in pharmacy in colouring 

 ointments and other preparations. 



Used as a stimulant in native medicine in India : externally 

 applied in pains and bruises, and internally administered in dis- 

 orders of the blood. Its use as an external applicant in bruises, 

 &c., is perhaps its most frequent medicinal application. The 

 fresh juice is said to be an anthelmintic. A decoction of the 

 rhizome is applied to relieve catarrh and purulent opthalmia. 



