262 



Description of Sample. 



The sample, which weighed 14 oz., consisted of a single, 

 roughly-ovoid lump of brown resin, which had the characteristic 

 odour of benzoin. 



Chemical Examination. 



Chemical examination established the identity of the resin 

 with benzoin and showed that it most resembled the variety of 

 this product known commercially as Palembang benzoin. It 

 contained 1.61 per cent, of moisture, 0.41 per cent, of ash, and 

 91.48 per cent, of resin soluble in alcohol. 



Conclusions. 



Material represented by the present sample could be used 

 instead of Palembang benzoin for all purposes to which the latter 

 is applied. 



The benzoins official in the British Pharmacopoeia are the 

 Siam and Sumatra varieties, which are derived from styrax benzoin. 

 The application of the Palembang and other varieties is therefore 

 limited to the preparation of incense and the manufacture of 

 benzoic acid, the latter being the more important use. 



The commercial value of this benzoin from the Federated 

 Malay States would be about the same as that of Palembang 

 benzoin. The latter was quoted in London on February 

 24, 1906, at £2 8s. to £2 10s. per cwt. for ordinary quality, 

 whilst a consignment of good quality was sold at £3 8s. per cwt. 

 on the 2nd March last. The present sample would probably sell 

 as ordinary quality. 



If these prices will render the collection of the resin 

 remunerative, the Imperial Institute will be glad to assist in 

 finding a market for the product. 



(Sd.) WYNDHAM R. DUNSTAX. 



April 24, 1906. 



Note on the Above. 



The plant which produced the Benzoin above described is 

 probably Styrax Benzoin which is abundunt in Kuala Lumpur as 

 in other parts of the Peninsula. It is a big tree with bright 

 green leaves backed with white, and panicles of very fragrant 

 white flowers. As it often flowers when quite small, 12 to 15 feet 

 tall, it is quite worthy of cultivation for its beauty and fragrance. 

 Benzoin is known here as Kemeniyan, but seems rarely to be 

 collected in the Peninsula. To obtain it the bark, which has no 

 odour of the incense, is cut about with a parang or knife, and 

 after about a fortnight the exuded resin is collected. It does not 



