NOTICE. 
The Scientific and Technical Department of the 
Imperial Institute, 
His Excellency the Governor has received a despatch from 
the Right Hon’ble the Secretary of State for the Colonies calling 
attention to the advantages offered by the Imperial Institute to 
Merchants, Planters and others, who may wish to have samples 
submitted to scientific experts for opinion as to their commercial 
value, etc. The following extracts from a Memorandum published 
by the Authorities of the Imperial Institute will give an idea of the 
work undertaken and carried on there. 
“ The Scientific and Technical Department of the Institute has 
“ been established to acquire information by special enquiries and 
“by experimental research, technical trials and commercial valua- 
“ tion regarding new or little known natural or manufactured pro- 
ducts of the various Colonies and Dependencies of the British 
“ Empire and of Foreign countries, and also regarding known 
“ products procurable from new sources, and local products of 
“ manufacture which it is desired to export. This work is carried 
“ out with a view to the creation of new openings in trade, or the 
“ promotion of industrial developments.” 
2. In an extensive and well-equipped series of Research 
Laboratories, a numerous staff of skilled chemists carry out the 
investigation of the chemical constitution and properties of new 
dye-stuffs, tanning materials, seeds and food-stuffs, oils, gums and 
resins, fibres, timbers, medicinal plants and products, with a view 
to their commercial utilization. Whenever necessary these 
materials are submitted to special scientific experts, by whom they 
are made the subject of particular investigation or practical tests. 
Reports are also obtained from technical or trade experts in regard 
to the probable commercial or industrial value of any such products. 
3. The Federated Malay States Government has undertaken 
to grant a sum of £100 a year for 5 years to the Department with 
a view to the careful investigation and commercial development of 
the mineral resources of the States. 
The Government Geologist is collecting specimens for chemical 
examination and after analysis the Imperial Institute, which is in 
very complete touch with the principal manufacturing and other 
industries of the United Kingdom, will bring the specimens before 
manufacturers and others for trial with a view to their commercial 
development. 
It is expected that this action will do much to help in finding 
a market for new products and developing the markets for those 
already exploited. 
