THE TECHNOLOGIST. 



THE YELLOW DYE STUFFS OF CHINA AND INDIA. 



BY M. C. COOKE. 



Attention having been called to the dyes of China and India, by 

 several inquiries, from individuals engaged in the art of dyeing silken 

 fabrics, it has been deemed advisable to submit a few observations, with 

 a view, not only to the diffusion of the present information, but to solicit 

 additions thereto, so as to render our knowledge more complete. Some of 

 the dye stuffs, to which allusion will be made, are already known to British 

 commerce, whilst others might readily be obtained, if found, upon experi- 

 ment, to meet the requirements of the home dyer. Those which are 

 enumerated are, doubtless, but a portion of such as are in common use ; 

 but around this enumeration, as a nucleus, can be grouped any further 

 information which may from time to time be collected. The subject itself 

 is not unworthy of the consideration of our dyers at home, or of travellers 

 abroad, who possess facilities for obtaining further details. Accident 

 brought into notice .the green dye of China ; and inquiry may develope 

 other, and equally important facts. 



KiANG-HoA^fG. — This dye stuff is the root or rhizome of Curcuma longa, 

 L., known to commerce under the name of Turmeric. It affords the yellow 

 dye most in use in China ; it is the cheapest, but is also affirmed to be the 

 least durable. Turmeric is very common in the provinces of Fokien, 

 Houang-toung, Kouang-si, Sse-tchouen, &c. In Canton the fresh roots cost 

 about five dollars per picul (lSS^lbs.). The Chinese turmeric is of excellent 

 quality, and realises a good price in the English market. In dyeing with 

 this substance it is first reduced to powder, on which boiling water is poured. 

 It is then stirred, and allowed to stand awhile, and the liquor is afterwards 

 poured off. A small glass of citron-juice is added for every catty (or one 

 pound five ounces) of turmeric powder, and about five pounds of powder 

 is required to dye two pounds and a half of silk. Some dyers prefer the 



VOL. I. b 



