52 Report of the Chemical Examiner to Government. 



The nature of the substance which had caused the stains, was not 

 positively ascertained, although, they were strongly suspected to have 

 been produced by blood. 



6. A very remarkable substance, discovered by Dr. Montgomery 

 of Singapore, called Gutta Perch a, and sent to the Medical Board, 

 with specimens. 



It was found to be a variety of caoutchouc, likely to become ex- 

 tremely valuable from its chemical and physical qualities, as well for the 

 manufacture of surgical instruments, as for various purposes in the arts. 



7. A specimen of sulphur, found near Kurrachee in Scinde, and 

 forwarded by order of the Right Honorable the Governor General, 

 for examination. 



It was ascertained to be impure, and not likely to turn out great in 

 value or extent of supply. 



8. A specimen of saltpetre, manufactured at Tattah in Scinde, and 

 forwarded to Government by Sir Charles Napier. 



It was found to contain nearly 96 per cent, of pure nitre, and 

 reported to be a pure and good specimen of commercial saltpetre. 



9. A communication from the Magistrate of Hooghly, requesting 

 information as to the best method of bleaching the paper manufactured 

 by the prisoners in the jail, by means of chlorine gas. 



, Mr. Robertson was deputed by Government to proceed to Hooghly 

 to report upon the manufacture generally, and to suggest such means 

 of improvement, as he might deem advisable or necessary. 



10. A small portion of the deposit of a mineral spring near Dar- 

 jeeling, the water of which was stated to be used in warm baths by the 

 natives, and the sediment itself to be employed as a remedial agent. 

 Forwarded for analysis and report by Dr. Campbell. 



It was analyzed by Mr. Robertson and found to contain in 100 parts : 



Crenate and a pro-crenate of the per-oxide of iron, about . . 65 



A carbonate, 4 



Sand (Mica and Quartz from decomposed granite,) . . . . 20 

 Portions of Vegetable matter, . . 



Sulphuric acid, 



Magnesia, 



A trace of ammonia, 



Water and loss, . . 



in all, about 11 



100 



