48 



The drug, which is obtained from the ripe seed, has been recog- 

 nized in different Pharmacopasias for many years as a valuable poison 

 and for external use in cases of Myopia. Quite recently a further 

 chemical examination by the Wellcome Chemical Research Labora- 

 tories has resulted in the isolation of a new alkaloid which will 

 doubtless add to the value of the plant although the demand may be 

 limited. 



R. D. 



COCAINE. 



(Erythroxylon Coca.) 



In the Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits Settlements and 

 Federated Malay States page 336 vol. VII. there is an account of 

 this plant as grown in the Botanic Gardens Singapore and a report 

 from the Imperial Institute on a sample of dried leaves submitted by 

 the late Mr. Machado for analysis and valuation. The colour of the 

 leaves was not quite good but "the percentage of alkaloids present 

 was equal to the average amount found in commercial supplies of 

 Coca leaves from other sources." Planters are also cautioned that 

 the demand is small and that leaves would be over-iToduced if 

 extensively cultivated. 



At the present time the price is high and leaves from the East 

 appear to be exported from Java only. The plant is exceptionally 

 hardy and is grown as a hedge-plant in the Singapore Gardens. 

 There would be a great saving in ihandling and freight if anyone 

 cared to try the production of Cocaine instead of exporting leaves. 



R. D. 

 The Production of Cocaine in Peru. 



This subject receives attention in a recent number of The 

 Engineer, in an article which is reproduced in Peru To-day for Septem- 

 ber 191 1: In introducing the article, the latter publication points out 

 the importance of the cocaine industry in Peru; this is shown by the 

 circumstance that the value of the annual production of the drug is 

 £2,500,000. A great part of this is exported, while most of the rest 

 is consumed b.y the native Indians. 



The account in The Engineer states that the processes employed 

 in Peru for the extraction of cocaine from the leaves of the coca 

 plant ( Erythroxyhim Coca) are crude, owing to the fact that the treat- 

 ment takes place in the interior, on account of the expense of trans- 

 port of the leaves; the extent of this expense is illustrated by the 

 fact that 200lb. of coca leaves are required for the manufacture of lib. 

 of cocaine. Doubtless, improved means of communication will bring 

 the manufacture nearer the coast, and then better methods will be 

 employed. 



