482 On the Native Alum or Salajit of Nepal. [Sppr. 
IV.—On the Native Alum or Saldjit of Nepal. By A. Campbell, Assistant 
Surgeon, &c. 
In the number of the Asiatic Society’s Journal for June last, there is a 
notice and analysis of one of the mineral productions of Nepal called “Sa- 
lajit,” or, by the natives of this place more commonly “ Pathar ka Passeo” . 
or simply “ Passeo” (Sweat). As the analysis was furnished by Mr. Sreven- 
son with the object of bringing the substance to public notice towards its ex- 
tensive employment in the arts, the following particulars regarding it may I 
hope contribute in some degree to facilitate the above purpose. The specimen 
analyzed by Mr. S. contained in 100 parts, 95 parts of sulphate of alumina, 
but it is not generally speaking procurable in that state of purity ; the fol- 
lowing, the result of examination by Captain Rogryson of several portions ta- 
ken at random from the bazar, shews more correctly the value of the miner- 
al as it is obtainable in large quantity, and in the state in which alone it could 
be made available for use in the arts. The purer portions being in such de- 
mand in medicine and surgery, are raised in price to an extent quite incom- 
patible with their profitable application to the general uses of commerce. In 
100 grains are contained, sulphate of alumina, 66. 
The mineral in the above state (often more pure) is found throughout 
the lower, central, and upper hills of Nepal. Its external characters are those 
described by Mr. 8.* save that the lumps have generally an admixture of 
red sand, and frequently portions of micaceous stone embedded in them ; 
some of the lumps have the smooth surface of stalactites, and are not unlike 
these deposits. All are readily soluble in water, and when touched with the 
tongue give the taste of common alum. It is said to exude in this 
state from the surface of soft rocks ; and sometimes to be dug out of their 
substance ; and from these sources it is collected in considerable quantities 
during the cold and dry seasons, and carried by the Bhoteahs, Murmis, and. 
other hill people to Katmandi, to be exchanged with the merchants of that 
city for money or other articles. From hence it is distributed thoughout 
the valley in small portions for medical purposes, while the bulk of it is car. 
ried to the plains of India by petty Newar merchants, and the numerous 
Baiparis who’ annually visit this country from various adjacent, and remote 
parts of Hindistan. The cost of production and transport of an article to 
the scene of its consumption, is the first knowledge the trader wants ; and if 
the price paid by Mr. S. for his specimen (one rupee for two rupees’ weight) 
was the real value of Salajit on the banks of the Ganges, its use in the arts 
* In small light lumps, colour brownish white ; externally anhydrous ; internally semi- 
crystalline ; fracture slightly fibrous, with a lustre resembling asbestus ; porous, containing 
small cavities lined with scarcely perceptible needle-like crystals ; adheres a little to the 
tongue. Taste acidulous saline, soluble in twice its weight of distilled water ; specific 
gravity not ascertained, but probably not quite double the weight of distilled water ; 
friable. 
