The Isinglass of Commerce. 



255 



named fish, of the eel species, the belly is opened, and the 

 organ, which is often of great size, removed. 



The glue which is made is of excellent quality, but 

 often yellow or grey tinted, according to the inferior quality 

 of the substance employed. It is thus prepared : — The 

 jii-ka is washed in water for about two hours, then taken 

 out and placed in a water-bath for a certain time. When, 

 by the touch, it is found to be soft, it is removed and 

 beaten with a heavy iron hammer. This is said to be 

 a delicate operation, which should be done at the proper 

 time. The substance is then flattened and rolled by the 

 hand, and horizontal incisions are made, so that the air 

 may more readily reach it and the drying be more rapid. 

 When the glue is to be used, it is broken in pieces, put 

 in a water-bath, with a little water to dissolve it. 



It is probable if the Chinese isinglass were treated with 

 sulphurous acid, a better commercial product might be 

 obtained. 



Besides its use for food purposes in China, isinglass is 

 employed medicinally. That which is very transparent is 

 most esteemed. It is usually met with in long, channelled 

 pieces, transparent, of a dull yellow colour. Gelatine is 

 often substituted for it, which is in long, opaque tablets, 

 of a deep brown, and is made from the skins of different 

 animals. 



From the ports of Hiogo and Osaka, in Japan, the 

 exports of isinglass to Shanghai and Hongkong were in — 



Piculs. Value. 



1874 2286 175,212 



1875 6238 198,416 



In many of the French colonies it is stated that large 

 quantities of valuable isinglass are lost to commerce from 

 carelessness and ignorance. At Senegal and at Mahe the 



