X, A, 1 Pratt: Papain 33 



promptly before decomposition sets in, there should be no dif- 

 ficulty in preparing a white papain that would find a ready 

 sale. Drug firms at present are at the mercy of the market, 

 and frequently cannot obtain satisfactory papain. The enzyme 

 should be sold under a guarantee covering its activity, thus 

 establishing a standard which would command better prices than 

 at present offered and avoid competition with adulterated 

 products. 



Letters from various large firms clearly show a willingness 

 to purchase high-quality papain in relatively large quantities, 

 single shipments ranging from 100 to 300 kilograms represent- 

 ing ordinary requests. It must be remembered, however, that 

 the market is limited and, although gradually increasing, that 

 overproduction is always a possibility. The material must be 

 free from impurities, as nearly white as possible, thoroughly 

 dry, and shipped in sealed containers, and must possess the 

 requisite proteolytic activity. 



The possibility of establishing a papain industry in the 

 Philippine Islands should receive attention, as it does not 

 necessitate a large investment of capital, and the time required 

 is short before returns may be expected. 



131717 S 



