May 1907.] 



331 



Correspondence. 



CEYLON PAPAIN. 



Sir,— In view of numerous enquiries received with reference to the market 

 value of this preparation from the papaw tree (Carica papaya), the following report 

 from Prof. Dunstan on samples submitted last year by me will be of interest. 



It may be inferred, however, from the fact that a local firm is buying a con- 

 siderable quantity every month at a price somewhat over five shillings, that 

 there are other good markets in the world outside England. 



(Report referred to dated 27th July, 1906, annexed.) 



C. DRIEBERG, 



Colombo, 4th April, 1907. Secretary, Ceylon Agricultural Society. 



{Copy of Report referred to.) 



Imperial Institute, London S. W. s 27th July, 1906. 

 Sir, — The two samples of Ceylon Papaw (papain) which were forwarded to 

 the Imperial Institute with your letter No. 2055 of the 23rd of May last have been 

 .submitted to brokers for valuation, and I now forward the following information 

 regarding them. 



The brokers reported that the probable value of both samples (powdered and 

 granulated) is about 5s per pound, but added that the demand for this material 

 is very limited, They recommend that not more than 50 pounds should be shipped 

 at one time. 



Papain is regularly offered on the London market, but the sales are not large. 

 On the 22nd July, 1905, a parcel realised the price of 8s 6d per pound, but since that 

 date there is no record of any public sale. The material has not come into extensive 

 use as a medicinal agent. 



I am, Sir, 

 Your Obedient Servant, 

 (Signed) WYNDHAM R. DUNSTAN. 

 The Secretary, Ceylon Agricultural Society. 



SNAKE-BITE CURES. 



Dear Sir,— Mr. W. A. de Silva, Veterinary Surgeon, Colombo Municipality, 

 has communicated to me his success in the treatment of snake bite in the dog with 

 the root of the papaw tree {Carica papaya), the application of the drug being 

 external. It is worth remembering this as likely to prove useful in an emergency. 



In this connection I should like to draw attention to Sir Lauder Brunton's 

 simple method of destroying snake venom by means of permanganate of potash 

 after scarification of the wound. To facilitate the treatment and place it within 

 the means of all, chemists are now selling cartons, small enough to be carried in the 

 waist-coat pocket, containing both permanganate and a little scarifying instrument. 

 I purchased some at a big firm of druggists in Calcutta for eight annas (50 cents) each, 

 and they could probably be had much cheaper if ordered in quantity from the 

 makers. 



These cartons should be available at cost price at all Government 

 Dispensaries. 



Yours truly, 



C. DRIEBERG, 



Colombo, 9th March, 1907. Secretary, Ceylon Agricultural Society. 



