A short history of drugs: &c. likewise china and lacquered ware the produce of the East-Indies. Published for the sole direction of the commanders and officers in that service. Who are allowed private-trade, homeward bound: ...

A SHORT HISTORY OF DRUGS, &c.

ALLOES CICOTRINA, commonly called SUCCOTRINA.

IS the inſpiſſated Juice of a Plant of that Name; the beſt grows in the Iſland of Succotre, which if dry and when broke in the Middle appears of a dark green glaſſey ſubſtance, and when reduced to Powder is of a fine yellow Saffron Colour.

If any Dirt, Stones, or other Rubbiſh is in the Package, which very often happens to the very beſt, the Value is uncertain; therefore, what you buy, let it be fine and clear; and if it be not ſo, ſort it in the Country, taking it out of the Skins, and freeing it from Stones, Dirt and Rubbiſh; for which, if you import it, you muſt pay the Duty, which is very high, and the Buyers will calculate the Loſs in Skins, &c. at double the real Diſadvantage. It will ſell to much greater Advantage in Cheſts or Caſks, from one to two hundred Weight, than in large ones, which will be above the Reach of midling Buyers.—Pleaſe to greaſe the Inſide of the Package, to prevent its ſticking to it.

ALLOES HEPACTIA, or EPATICA:

Is of the ſame Species with the Cicotrina: but inſtead of being of a dark green, and almoſt tranſparent when ſhivered into thin Pieces, is of the Colour of the Liver of an Animal; and it frequently happens that there is a Mixture of Cicotrina in the Epatic, as well as a Mixture of Epatic in the Cicotrina, which ought to be ſeparated in the Country. Stones, Dirt, &c. ſhould be equally guarded againſt in this Article as in the Cicotrina, and the Buyer ſhould guard againſt its being wet; very good Epatic Alloes having been brought home from India almoſt Liquid, which the Buyers were obliged to keep till it became dry and fit to be broke into ſmall Pieces, and capable of being reduced to Powder

GUM AMMONIACUM:

Is a concrete gummy ſubſtance in ſmall Drops or Tears; it is of a nauſeous bitter Taſte, but when diſſolved in any liquid but Spirits, or rubbed in a Mortar with Water, reſembles Milk; it muſt be free from Droſs, Stones, &c. and if brown will not (though it may be as good as when it is almoſt white) fetch half the Price.

GUM ASSAFAETIDA.

Is a concrete gummy ſubſtance, of a ſtrong faetid ſmell, reſembling Onions, or rather Shallots, in ſmall Drops or Tears; but when packt forms a maſſy lump. Obſerve, that when firſt broke it appears quite white within, and changes ſoon after to a red or purple Colour; the brown, dingy, or dirty is of little Value: it is often mixed with Stones; ſome ſorts are moiſt, with Tears, which if clean is very good.

GUM BENJAMIN, or BENZOIN.

Is a concrete roſinous Gum, of a ſweet aromatic Taſte; it is generally brought here in large Maſſes, according to the ſhape of the package, therefore before you buy break well into it, and ſee that it is full of white marble Drops. If that Sort is not to be had, the next beſt is the light brown ſort, which breaks ſmooth, and is free from droſs, and almoſt tranſparent; the droſſy Sort is of little Value, and the King's Duty is as high upon that as the very fineſt.

BEZOAR.

The true Eaſt-India ſort are ſmooth black-ſhining ſtones, about the ſize of ſmall Hazel-Nuts, found in the Stomach of certain Animals in the Eaſt-Indies, ſaid to be ſomething reſembling the Goat Kind; when it is broke appears of a ſhining, dark, green or olive Colour, and compoſed of Coats or Shells one above another, ſo cloſely connected as to form a ſolid ſtone; ſome prefer the Sort that goes by the Name of Porcupine Bezoar, but as it has been found of little or no efficacy in Medicine is but ſeldom uſed, the Lapis Contrayerva being uſed in its ſtead.

BORAX.

Is a white chriſtaline Salt, made from Tincal in ſeveral Parts of India; the beſt generally comes from China in large tranſparent lumps: if brown, diſcoloured or mealy, reduces the Value conſiderably; the more it reſembles white Sugar-Candy the better.

CAMBOGE, or CAMBOGIUM.

Is a ſolid concrete Juice; the beſt is of a deep yellow or Orange Colour, breaks ſhining and free from Droſs: if dull, red or cruſty, reduces the Value. Chuſe that which is in ſmall Cakes or Rolls, which ſells beſt here.

CAMPHIRE, or CAMPHOR unrefined.

Is a ſolid volatile concrete Gum, extracted from a Shrub growing in ſeveral Parts of the Eaſt Indies. The beſt Sort that will do for this Market muſt be quite white, clean, and in ſmall tranſparent Grains, about the ſize of coarſe Sand, run together; for, if it is white, tranſparent, and in large lumps, and of a firm ſubſtance without Grains, it may be charged with the refined Duty.—The beſt Package to bring it home is Iron-bound Caſks, and well preſſed in; and if the Caſks were lined with Turenague, it would prevent its getting into the Wood and evaporating, it being of an exceeding ſubtile volatile Nature.

CAMPHIRE refined.

Is a Sublimation of the unrefined, and formed into Loaves or Cakes; but the Difference of the Duties and Charges, and the eaſy Method of refining the rough Camphor here, will prevent its being brought to Advantage.

CASSIA LIGNEA.

Is the Bark of the baſtard Cinnamon Tree, There are ſeveral Sorts, but the beſt brought home lately was from China, which was ſmall long round Sticks, nearly of the Colour and Flavour of real Cinnamon, and is uſed in its ſtead. It cannot be too thin, for if the Bark is thick, though it be equally ſtrong and pungent on the Palate, it will only do for diſtilling, and therefore not near ſo valuable.

The ſecond Sort of Caſſia Lignea is generally got at Batavia and Ben. oclen, and is of two Sorts, one a very ſmall Twig, about a Foot long, of a ſtronger pungent Flavour than Cinnamon, and ſold from £15 to £20 per Cwt. The other Sort is in thick long Sticks, and nearly as pungent; but the ſhape and colour makes it not ſo valuable, and only ſells from £5 to £8 per Cwt.

The way to diſcover the true Cinnamon Sort is to chew it, when, if it is muſilaginous or ſlimy in the mouth, it is not near ſo valuable, though it is often ſtronger than real Cinnamon, but will foul the Cinnamon Water made from it. There is alſo Caſſia Lignea that is of a very bright Colour and good Shape, which has little or no ſmell or Taſte; the breaking a handful of Sticks will aſcertain the Quality almoſt as well as taſting, for where there is a fine Smell, there is always a ſtrong Taſte.

The third Sort got at the Coaſt and Bengal, having very little Taſte and Shape, like unto Cinnamon, but is ſlat, woody and ſhaffy, will ſcarce fell for the Duty and Charges; the King's Duty is £2 6s. 8d, per Cwt. equally on the worſt as the beſt, and the Company's and Diſcount 13 and half per Cent. on the Price it ſells for.

CASSIA BUDS.

Appears to be the Fruit or Berries of the Caſſia Tree, and reſembles in ſome Degree a Clove, but is ſmaller, of a fine rich Cinnamon Flavour when freſh; they have been but very lately introduced into Europe, and chiefly brought from China: chuſe them freſh and found, free from Stalks and Dirt.

CARDAMON SEEDS.

Thoſe produced on the Coaſt of Malabar are the beſt, which are contained in a three-ſquare Pod, or Huſk, rather larger than a large Pea; very little Judgment is required in chuſing them, provided they are freſh, ſound, well filled Huſks and of a paliſh Colour, and of a very grateful Smell, reſembling Camphor. Care ſhould be taken to pack them in ſtrong ſound Cheſts, for the leaſt damp will turn the Huſk, not only mouldy but muſty, and greatly reduce its Value.

COCULUS INDIA.

A round blackiſk Berry, generally brought from Bombay. Obſerve they are ſound, dry and clean; they are extremely light, being quite hollow.

CUBEBS.

Is a kind of Pepper, with this Difference, that it has a Tail or Stalk to each Berry, and is much more aromatic than Pepper, reſembling Jamaica Pepper, called by the common People All-ſpice; it is generally bought on the Malabar Coaſt, and ſhould be dry, ſound and clean.

DRAGONS BLOOD.

A red roſinous Gum, ſometimes brought in oval lumps, about the Size of a Cheſnut or a Pullet's Egg, and ſometimes in a large Maſs, composed of ſmall Grains or Tears, and if good, appears of a deep ſhining red colour, and when reduced to Powder changes into elegant bright Crimſon: if you meet with any different from the above Account, as mixed with Droſs, Dirt, or worſe colour, muſt not give much for it, there being Dragons Blood from leſs than £.10 to £40 per Cwt. that in Tears is the ſafeſt to buy, if it breaks as clear as Glaſs, and is when powdered of a fine Crimſon red, which is the only Excellence, it being uſed much more in Japaniary than in phyſic.

GALBANUM.

Is a ſoft tenacious yellowiſh Gum, of a warm bitteriſh Taſte; the beſt Sort is in Maſſes, and when broke or cut appears compoſed of white ſmall dry Tears or Drops. Chuſe as above, for if you meet with it mixed with Dirt, Sticks, Bits of Cane, or other Rubbiſh, it will reduce the Value; the more Aromatic it ſmells the better: that which is fine, has Tears in it, like other Eaſt India Gums.

GUM ARABIC.

Prefer the large red lumps, for the pale yellow does not ſell well. Obſerve that it be clean and kept from Wet or Dampneſs; the beſt Packages is ſtrong iron-bound Caſks: there is ſometimes a fine tranſparent Sort, almoſt white, which will ſell very well.

LAC, called SHELLACK.

Is thought to be a Preparation from Sticklack, and formed into thin Flakes or Shells, appears of a clear tranſparent deep yellow or red colour; if ſpecky, droſſy, black, or of a Liver colour, or any ways dull and cloudy, and not tranſparent, it will be of little Value at this Market.

LACK, called STICKLACK.

Is ſuppoſed to be a kind of roſinous Wax collected by Inſects, and depoſited by them on round ſmall Sticks, in ſuch form as is commonly imported; the beſt for Sale here is compoſed of a very deep red Gum, intermixed with Cells, (formed by the Inſects) in which the colour is contained, and when put into Water gives a red Tincture, which is the Sort moſt in Eſteem for dying red Morocco Leather.—Chuſe the deep Red, which is here called Black, and the fewer Sticks the better; if when chewed it does not make your Spittle of a fine red or crimſon colour it is not the right Sort, and not half ſo valuable.

SEEDLACK.

Appears to be the little Lumps or Seeds that fall from the Sticklack, or ſome other artificial Preparation.

The Conſumption is very trifling in Europe; chuſe as large red clean Seeds as poſſible: there is a Sort of a very bright yellow, and very tranſparent, reſembling Amber, which is uſed in Varniſh or Lacquer, and will, if clean, bear an high Price.

LACK, called CAKE, or LUMPLACK.

Is the fine deep aqueous Gum ſeparated from Sticks, and formed into Maſſes; the more it reſembles Sticklack the better, and ought to be free from Sticks, Dirt, &c.

MOTHER OF PEARL SHELLS, ROUGH.

Ought to be at leaſt eight or nine Inches broad, and have a ſhining ſilver Colour on the Inſide and the Outſide free from Blotches or Scabs, otherwiſe they are of little Value.

LONG PEPPER.

Is the Fruit of a certain Plant of the Pepper kind, growing in the Eaſt Indies; it differs very little from the other, except in Shape, from whence it takes its Name, being of a long round Form, of about an Inch, about the Size of a Gooſe Quill, and compoſed of a great Number of Seeds, ſet cloſe together, about the Size of a ſmall Pin's Head. It muſt be ſound, clean and dry, and of a dark Aſh-colour; there ſometimes comes a ſhorter and ſmaller, which is not near ſo valuable, and the Duties are alike on both Kinds. If any Salt-water gets to it, there is no ſuch thing as drying it, and will ſoon become wormy and rotten.

MUSK.

Appears to be a Subſtance like greaſy clotted Blood, contained in a hairy ſmall Bag or Pod, reſembling the Cod of an Animal, weighing about an Ounce, and ſuppoſed to be found on a certain Animal in China. Chuſe thin-ſkinned Pods that have not been cut open, for the Smell of the Muſk is ſo powerful, that Pieces of Liver or any thing elſe may be mixed with it, and ſometimes Lead Shot to make it heavy. It cannot be too dry, and if the Cods have been cut open, the Palp or Grain ought to be of a dark reddiſh brown Colour.

MYRRH.

Is a concrete gummy roſinous Juice, of various Colours and Sizes, the Produce of Perſia, of a fine aromatic Smell, and bitter aromatic Taſte; the beſt that has been brought home for ten Years paſt was in ſolid lumps, from the Size of a Nutmeg to that of a Pigeon's Egg, of a paliſh yellow Colour, and when broke appeared in the Inſide of a whitiſh mealy Subſtance; though where it breaks of a deep Orange-colour, and of a firmer Texture, and ſhining, it is much more preferable.

There is alſo a brown ſort, which appears of the ſame mealy Subſtance, and ſells near as well

The ſecond Sort has the ſame Colour, Taſte, and Smell; but the Inſide appears more glaſſy and ſolid, and generally in leſs Lumps.

The third Sort is in brown, red, dirty, ſmall, and frequently mixed with ordinary inferior Gum, which, by being mixed with it, will contract the Smell and Flavour of the true Gum. The very beſt is ſometimes mixed with Pieces that are very droſſy and light, and often with very ſmall Gum and Duſt; which, though ever ſo genuine, will not ſell for near the Price that the large will.

OLIBANUM.

Is a roſinous Gum, moſtly brought from Turkey, and ſometimes from the Eaſt Indies, in ſmall round Drops or Tears, of a pale yellowiſh Colour, and very rarely tranſparent, being in general hardly pellucid, as it is a Species of Frankincenſe; it has an aromatic Smell, but rather a diſagreeable acrid aſtringent Taſte, and when chewed will be of a milky Colour. If it is run into a Maſs with but few Tears in it, and mixed with Dirt or Rubbiſh, it will not do for this Market.

OPOPONAX.

A concrete gummy roſinous Juice, the Produce of Perſia; the beſt brought home, by the way of the Eaſt Indies, is in reddiſh or Orange-coloured Drops or Tears, and when broke the Inſide appears of a pale yellow, intermixed with white Specks; it has a very fragrant Smell, ſomething like Sellery Roots, and a pleaſant bitter acrid Taſte. It is ſometimes very light and keckſey, mixed with ſmall Bits of Canes and Sticks, but that always ſells low, in Proportion to the Quantity of Gum.

RHUBARB.

The Root of a Plant growing in China, of our Engliſh Dock kind, but conſiderably larger. The Natives cut the Root into round Pieces, about three or four Inches long, and dry it for Sale, which is well known in Europe by the Name of round Rhubarb; and ſometimes they cut it down the middle of the Root, and afterwards into four or five Inch long Pieces, which drys the better, and when fit for Sale appears flat. For theſe four or five Years paſt the flat Kind has ſold £25 per Cent. better than the round of the ſame goodneſs.

Obſerve what you buy has the rough diſcoloured outſide Coat pared off, which it attracts in drying, and that it is quite dry and not the leaſt Dampneſs or Greeneſs left in it; the Outſide to be of a pale yellow, and the Inſide of a pale red Nutmeg Colour: and it cannot ſmell too freſh, and muſt be free from Worm Holes. To avoid being cheated, break ſeveral Pieces through the Middle, it being frequently of a very good Colour on the Outſide, but quite green, and often black, and almoſt rotten in the middle.

SAGO.

Is generally thought to be the Pith of a Tree and manufactured into ſmall round Grains, and brought from China or other Parts of India, though the Mallaca is the principal Market, and the beſt Sago; what is moſt preferable here is of a red Bloom Colour, and diſſolves very eaſily in warm or hot Water, and makes a very fine Jelly; that which boils red is always preferred: that which is brown is not near ſo good, and it ought alſo to be free from Duſt. Care ſhould be taken of the Package, which is beſt in Oak Caſks; the leaſt damp will render it Muſty, and good for nothing.

SAL ARMONIAC.

Is a manufactured Salt, ſaid to be prepared from Camel's or other Animal's Urine, or Dung, in the hot Climates, about Perſia and Arabia. The Sort generally brought here is in large round convex Cakes, or conical Loaves, in ſome Degree reſembling a Sugar Loaf, about ſix or eight Pounds Weight each. Very little Judgment is required in chuſing it: the Taſte ought to be ſharp and penetrating, its Colour white and clear; ſometimes Soot or Sticks is in it, but the leſs the better.

TINCAL, or unrefined BORAX.

In the Manner we have it brought home appears to be a natural Salt, produced in the Province of Bengal, being mixed with Sand and Earth; the beſt is in large Pieces, of the Size of a Haſel-Nut, and ſometimes, though very ſeldom, larger, and of a clear and almoſt tranſparent Colour, when broke reſembling Allum, though ſeldom ſo clear, but generally mixed with Dirt, Sand, &c.

Another Sort has been imported, about the Size of a Grain of Wheat, of a yellowiſh Colour, reſembling brown Sugar Candy, when broke into ſmall Pieces, which was very good; but the worſt is what is mixed with Sand, Dirt, and other Rubbiſh. They have a wrong Notion in Madraſs and Bengal to mix it with Oil and Butter-Milk, when tight Caſks would bring it home better, and ſave the Expence of paying Duty on Water, &c. which in the refining muſt be all evaporated, as refined Borax muſt be dry enough to be reduced to a fine Powder.

TURMERICK.

A Root growing in China and Bengal, brought home in Pieces, about an Inch long, of a warm aromatick Taſte, much reſembling Ginger. The China Sort ſells the beſt, being about the Thickneſs of a Man's little Finger; ſmooth yellow Surface, and fine pale red, or rather Orange-colour, and the more roſinous the better, when broke. The Bengal Sort is not yellow on the Outſide as the China Sort is, but when broke is almoſt of as good a colour, but very often breaks black, which renders it of leſs Value: Turmerick is alſo very ſubject to be Worm-eaten, which will greatly reduce its Value; and the leaſt wet or damp will ſpoil it for Uſe, on which account tight Caſks is far preferable to Bags, in which it is too often imported.

Drugs not much in Demand, or the Produce of other Parts, as well as India.

AMBERGREASE.

Is a bituminous Subſtance, almoſt as ſolid as Fullers-earth, chiefly found floating on the Sea, or on Shores; it is a fine Perfume, of a greyiſh or Aſh-colour, which is the beſt, and of great Value; the black or dirty is ordinary, and if it is adulterated with Roſin, &c. a red hot Knitting Needle or Wire will diſcover it, as true Ambergreaſe will not melt by Heat: it chiefly comes from North-America.

BALM, or BALSAM of GILEAD.

Is generally ſuppoſed to be the Produce of Arabia, and ſometimes has been imported from the Eaſt Indies. The true has a ſurpriſing odoriferous fragrant Smell, a pungent but very agreeable bitter aſtringent Taſte, and of a turbid thickiſh Conſiſtence, of a yellowiſh colour; but ſo little has come theſe many Years, that a ſtranger muſt be very cautious how he buys it, as every Species of Turpentine will mix with it.

CANTHARIDES.

Are Flies as large as Bees, of a very fine green and gold Colour, and are chiefly imported from Spain and Italy; though there are ſome in India, but the length of the Voyage prevents their being brought to Advantage; though if packed in Cheſts, lined with Tutenague as Tea is, and very freſh when brought, might anſwer.

CASSIA MUNIAR.

Is a bulbous Root of the Zedoary kind, but more reſembling in ſhape Turmerick; it breaks of a fine Orange-colour, of a fragrant Smell, and aromatic Taſte.

CASSIA FISTULA.

Is a long blackiſh Pod or Fruit, an Inch diameter, and from one to two Feet long, containing a ſweetiſh Pulp, which is the only valuable Part of it, and comes very freſh from the Weſt-India Iſlands; if the Eaſt-India Sort were better, the Pulp would dry up in the Voyage.

CHINA ROOT.

There are two Sorts, the Eaſt and Weſt-India; the Eaſt-India is hard, knotty, and roſinous, of a very pale red Colour, but of very little Uſe.

CINNABAR, or VERMILLION.

The only Sort to be brought from the Eaſt-Indies is the Native Cinnabar; which, by being ſtrongly impregnated with Quickſilver, is very heavy, and generally comes in ſmall lumps, ſeldom ſo large as a Pea; it is of a bright ſhining colour, and when powdered of a fine red, which is its principal Quality, it being chiefly uſed in Painting.

CIVET.

A ſoft unctious Subſtance, generally of a duſky white, or rather brown Colour, ſuppoſed to be found in a Pod or Bag growing on the lower Part of the Belly of the Civet Cat; it is a Perfume of a ſtrong and rather diſagreeable Smell in Subſtance; but the Perfumers know how to render it very grateful, by uſing it in very ſmall Quantities.

COLOGUINTIDA.

Is a dried Fruit, as large as an Apple, and very like one that has been pared; it comes from Turkey, is very light, and extremely bitter, and full of Seeds; which, though bitterer than the Pulp, are of no Value.

CORAL.

The beſt is got in Italy or Turkey, and large Quantities of the fine Sort yearly carried to India. It grows at the bottom of the Sea, and is both white and red; the red is the moſt valuable, is as ſolid as Stone, and will bear a fine Poliſh; the larger the more valuable: the ſmall Sort is uſed in Medicine.

DIAGREDIUM, or SCAMONY.

Is the inſpiſſated Juice of a Plant reduced to a Conſiſtence not unlike Spaniſh Juice, of a browniſh Colour, and of a purgative Quality, and chiefly comes from Turkey; but ſo much adulteratep, that the oldeſt Druggiſts can ſcarcely aſcertain its real Qualities.

FOLIUM INDIA, or MALABATHRUM.

Is the Leaf of a Plant or Tree, reſembling the Leaf of a Bay Tree, but much larger, and differs from that and moſt other Leaves, by having three Stems, or ſtrong Fibres, running from the Stalk to the Top of the Leaf.

COSTUS DULCIS

Is an aromatic firm Root, reſembling Spikenard in Smell, but of little uſe.

JUNEUS ODORATUS, or SWEET CANE.

Is a ſmall aromatic Reed, of a Straw Colour, but little in uſe.

GALLINGALS.

Are generally brought home in ſhort knotty Pieces, about an inch and half long, about the Size of Turmerick, of a pale red Colour, bitter Taſte, and aromatic Smell.

GREEN, or PRESERVED GINGER.

The Root boiled when juſt taken out of the Ground with Water and Sugar, to ſuch a Conſiſtence and Time that the Syrup enters into the Pores of the Ginger, and will preſerve the Flavour for ſeveral Years. The beſt comes in ſmall lumps of a pale yellow, and almoſt tranſparent; the ordinary appears dark and brown, and when broke has ſmall Strings or Fibres.

The Barbadoes Sort ſells for more than double the Price that India does, which is owing to the Root being taken out of the Ground before it is full grown, and has contracted the ſtringy Quality (Weſt-India Ginger, when dry, being full of Strings and Fibres) and the Syrup made with white Sugar, and often Sells at 3s. 6d. to 5s. per Pound, when India ſeldom ſells higher than 2s. and often much lower.

GOA STONES.

A factitious Preparation of mineral Subſtances, mixed with Perfume, in a round or oval Shape, and gilt; it is, (where the Gilding is rubbed off) browniſh, but the Inſide is of a Straw Colour: it is of very little Demand.

GUM ANIMI, or COPAL GUM ELIMI; come very cheap from America.

But if any fine Gum Animi can be procured in India, it will ſell for a great Price; it ſhould be of a fine pale yellow, and as tranſparent as Glaſs, and muſt diſſolve in Spirits of Wine, and is not much harder than Roſin, and reſembles tranſparent Amber ſo much, that Cane Heads have been made of it, and ſold for Amber.

GUM SAGAPENUM, GUM SARCOCOLLA, GUM TRAGACANTH; come cheap from Turkey.

But if any Sagapenum can be procured in India, it will fetch a good Price; it in ſome Meaſure reſembles Aſſafaetida, but is in leſs Tears, and ſmells like Garlick inſtead of Onions which Aſſaſaetida does.

LAPIS TUTIAE:

The ſublimate Part collected by Means of Sticks, on the uppermoſt Part of Furnaces when a certain Metal in the Eaſt Indies is fluxed, by which Means it receives a tubelated Form, and generally appears of a Mouſe Colour; it is of little Uſe, and made in England the Copper Works, and therefore not worth importing.

LIGNUM ALOES, or ALOES WOOD.

What is brought to Europe is in little hard ponderous Pieces, or Chips; when burnt, or reduced to Powder, has a bitteriſh aromatic Taſte, and fragrant Smell, but little in Uſe; but a ſmall Quantity of the true would fetch a high Price; a Ton would over-do the Market.

MASTICK WHITE, MASTICK RED; brought from Turkey.

Lump Maſtick has been brought from India, but ſold for a poor Price; it ought to be in Tears, of the Size of a ſmall Pea, and as tranſparent as Amber, but a paler Colour.

MIRABOLANES.

Are a dried Fruit, reſembling a Plumb; there were formerly five Sorts, but never in any Demand, though they are ſaid to be uſed as Efficacious in Madneſs: there are very few in London, and a ſmall Quantity of freſh (for there have been ſome a hundred Years old) might ſell well.

OIL of CINNAMON.

Very nice Judgment is required to diſtinguiſh the genuine from the Caſſia, or adulterated Sort; the true will ſink in Water, and ſo it will if loaded with Loaf Sugar; the more it reſembles Cinnamon the better, and if true will be very hot upon the Tongue.

OIL of NUTMEGS, OIL of CLOVES, OIL of MACE.

Should all reſemble the Spices from whence they are drawn, the Oil of Cloves and Nutmegs, which we import from Holland, are liquid; but the Oil of Mace is in ſquare Cakes, and reſembles the Subſtance of Butter, only rather firmer and perhaps none of them are true, as all thoſe Spices are ſo powerful as to bear a great Mixture.

OPIUM.

The concrete Juice of the Poppy; it chiefly comes from Turkey, where they prepare it much better than what comes from India, which is much ſofter and fouler than the Turkey, which ſometimes come dry enough to break like Spaniſh Liquoriſh, though the Eaſt India Climate, even without the help of Fire, might evaporate the Moiſture.

SEED, or RAGGED PEARL.

Is found in the Pearl Fiſh, of an uneven Shape, ſeldom ſo large as a ſmall Pea, and the only Sort in Uſe.

SENNA LEAVES.

Come cheap from Turkey, and much brighter and cleaner than any that have been brought from India, which generally are foul and full of Stalks, and of a darker colour, and not near ſo freſh.

SPIKENARD.

Is a ſmall Root, from which iſſue ſeveral very ſmall Fibres, reſembling a Bunch or Bruſh, about an Inch long, and very light in weight, of a darkiſh brown Colour; it has an aromatic but rather diſagreeable Smell: be careful that it is free from Duſt or Earth.

STORAX CALAMITA, or STORAX in TEARS.

Is a fine odoriferous Gum, ſometimes in ſmall Drops or Tears, and often brought home in Maſſes, with Saw-duſt, Sand, &c. It generally comes from Turkey or Italy; the fine greatly reſembles fine Gum Benjamin, but is generally moiſiter.

TAMARINDS.

The long Pod or Fruit of the Tamarind Tree, which grows in Pods as large as ripe Beans; it is taken out of the Shell, and preſerved in Sugar, the leſs of which the better, provided there is enough to keep the Pulp moiſt: the Weſt India is red; there is red, brown and black, brought from ihe Eaſt Indies, but the black is the moſt valuable, and the more Pulp and ſewer Stones the better; they are of a very fine acid, more pleaſant than the Juice of Lemons, and make much wholeſomer Punch.

JAPAN EARTH.

Improperly ſo called, as by Experiments it appears to be the Juice of ſome vegetable Fruit boiled to a hard conſiſtence, like Spaniſh Juice, in hard Lumps, which ought to break of a brown ſhining Colour, and of an aſtringent Taſte; it was formerly, when Bohea Tea was more eſteemed than green, uſed in dying green Tea, and other Leaves of a Bohea Colour. Two or three Tons would ſell very well, but more would render it of little Value, the Conſumption being ſmall.

WORMSEED.

Is a ſmall chaffy Seed, of a light yellow Colour, of a fragrant Smell, and a ſine bitter Taſte, and in all Probability the Seed of Wormwood. What we have had from India was ſo ſmall, duſty, chaffy, and full of Stalks, that it did not ſell for a third of the Price of that imported from Turkey.

YELEOW SAUNDERS.

A pale yellowiſh Wood, of a pleaſant Smell, bitteriſh aromatic Taſte, which leaves an agreeable kind of Pungency; it is generally brought in large thick Logs, and Care ſhould be taken that it is quite ſound and ſolid. There is a Sort of white Saunders, which perhaps is nothing more than the yellow with the Sap on it, and ſhould be avoided, as Roſewood, notwithſtanding its being of a dark Colour, is in ſome Meaſure white on the Outſide, but that Part will produce no Oli.

OIL of RHODIUM, or ROSEWOOD.

Though never imported from India, might be extracted from the Chips of large Pieces, which are made into Tea Cheſts, &c. and the ſmall Branches of the Tree, in the ſame Manner as the Oil of Cinnamon, &c. are; the Wood would not anſwer importing, but the Oil may, as the Chymiſts and Perfumers ſell it at 14s. an Ounce.

ZEDOARY ROOT.

There are two Sorts brought from India, the yellow and the white, both of them generally cut into ſmall Pieces of different Shapes, though it appears by the Shape of them, that the Root is originally round or oval, and only cut for the Conveniency of drying them better; the yellow has the Appearance of large Turmerick, but a more agreeable aromatic Taſte; the white is more roſinous on the Inſide, and of a pale duſky white Colour, and more valuable. Obſerve that it is ſound, and free from Worms, or Rottenneſs, and the larger and heavier, if dry, the better.

Various Articles.

ARRACK.

Is a fine Cane Spirit, ſuppoſed to be diſtilled from Rice, formerly of great Eſteem in England, but the high Duties has leſſened the Demand ſo, that fifty or ſixty Leagers are ſufficient for a Year's Conſumption. What you intend for Sale muſt be full Proof, clean, and have no bad Smell.

ARRANGOES,

Are made from the rough Cornelian Stone, or ſomething of that kind, and formed into different Shapes, and bored through the Middle in India: the chief Demand for them here are to ſend to Africa, where they are much uſed on Strings as Ornaments.

The round-barrel Shape, from two to three Inches long, which they cut their beſt Stones into, which were very clear, pale, and variably ſtroked with deeper Colours, the Poliſh good, and pretty free from Flaws.

The ſecond Sort from one to two, but not of ſo good a Quality, nor ſo well cut and poliſhed.

The third Sort were the refuſe Stones, about half an Inch to one Inch long, very irregular, flawed, and very dull Colour.

The fourth Sort are round Beads, of different Sizes and Qualities as the above, but at preſent not much in Demand.

CINNAMON.

As the Dutch have monopolized this Article, as well as Nutmegs, Mace and Cloves, it is hazardous for any one to buy of them in India, the real genuine Sorts. Several have attempted but they never turned to advantage.

LEOPARD SKINS Tanned, or Dreſſed in the Hair.

NUTMEGS Canded, or preſerved in Syrup.

PEPPER.

RICE.

SAPAN WOOD.

A well known Wood, brought home in Logs, about the Size of a Man's Thigh. Obſerve that it is ſound, and a deep red within.

SUCCADES, or mixed Sweetmeats.

SEA-HORSE TEETH.

Of very little Conſumption.

TYGER SKINS Tanned, or Dreſſed in the Hair.

ROSE WOOD.

Is a fine hard Wood, of a light purple Colour

TUTENAGUE.

A white Metal, formed into Blocks, about 20 lb. each. Regard muſt be had that no Droſs is mixed with it.

MOTHER of PEARL FISH and COUNTERS.

CANES, called WALKING-CANES.

Three Particulars ought to be well taken Notice of to form a proper Judgment in purchaſing. Firſt, to be ſound and heavy, not light and kickſey.—Second, taper ſhape, and if clouded the more valuable.—Third, length of the Joint. All under 28 Inches long in the Joint are now of very little Value; from 28 to 32 may ſell for £4 or £5 per 100, according to Quality; from 32 to 36 for £6 or £8; from 36 and upwards are moſt, in Demand, and generally ſell well. The King's Duty is only 37s.. 6d. per 1000, not a Half-penny per Cane.

CANES called RATTANS.

Have been brought ſo plentifully into Europe, lately, that you muſt be very careful what you buy to turn to Advantage. In the firſt Place, they ought to be well glazed, full four Yards long, not ſmaller than a Man's little Finger, of a pale yellow Colour, and quite ſound.—In the ſecond Place, which ought to be well conſidered, the Company ſells them for you, by Weight of 280lb. to a Draft for 1000, and the King's Officers charges you 17s. 6d. for every 1000 in Tale; ſo your greateſt Care ought to be, that every 1000 weigh at leaſt 280lb. for ſometimes they have been brought not above two Yards long, and alſo ſo ſmall that 2000 have been weighed to a Draſt; conſequently the Proprietor has been charged, and paid 35s. inſtead of 17s 6d which always will happen by ſmall or ſhort Rattans.

CANES, called DRAGONS-BLOODS.

Are a dwarf ſmall Walking Cane: the beſt ought to be taper and ſupple, and the middle Joint about thirty-ſix Inches long, and the top and bottom about eight or ten Inches more; the beſt Colour is a dark brown; ſhort, light, ſpungy, and damaged, will ſell for very little.

CANES, called JAPANS or WANGEES.

Are full of Knots, ſomething reſembling our Cabbage Stalks; the beſt are quite round, taper, and the Knots at regular Diſtances, a little pliable and tough, and for Size, from the Thickneſs of the little Finger to the Thumb.

CARMENIA WOOL, or GOATS-HAIR.

Is a kind of Fur, or fine ſoft Wool, ſuppoſed to be got from the Eaſt-Indian Goat, of a pale browniſh Colour. Be careful it is dry, and free from Dirt.

CARPETS of PERSIA.

King's Duty per ſquare is Yard £1 2s. which makes them come ſo dear, that they are very ſeldom brought.

COFFEE.

A well known Berry; the beſt got at Mocho. Take care to chuſe ſound, full grown, and of a bluiſh Colour.

COTTON YARN.

COWRIES.

Small Sea Shells, commonly called here Blackamoors Teeth, made Uſe of as ſmall Money, or Change in ſeveral Parts of India, and frequently ſent from Europe to the Coaſt of Africa, where they are uſed for the ſame Purpoſe. Obſerve the ſmaller they are, the more valuable, being alſo ſound and clean.

ELEPHANTS TEETH.

The Value here are according to Size and ſoundneſs.

The beſt ſhould weigh 50lb each The next — 40 The 3d — 30 The 4th — 20

Thoſe of a ſmaller Size are of very little Value.

EBONY WOOD.

Is black, heavy, and ought to be ſound.

GARNETS.

A precious Stone, ſo well known, as not to need any Deſcription, cut or rough; ſo many have been brought home, that the Market is over-ſtocked for ſeveral Years to come.

HURSE SKINS.

The Skin of a Fiſh, brought from the Eaſt-Indies, ſomething like the Dog Fiſh Skin, has a hard rough Coat; chiefly uſed in Europe to cover ſmall Pocket Caſes, ſomething like the Shagreen.

INDIGO.

A Manufacture from a Plant, and well known to be uſed in dying blue Colours; the Dutch bring home yearly great Quantities to Advantage from Java, which they ſell from 1d. to 6s. per lb. but there ought to be as much Judgment to know the Difference in buying it, as there is from one Penny to ſix Shillings in the Pound; the Quality and Purity are as various.

LAPIS LAZULAE.

A Stone of a pale bluiſh Colour, mixed with Streaks of Gold, of very little Uſe now.

CHINA WARE

L. s. d. Suppoſe 100 Cups ſell at 5d 2 1 8 £ 57 7¼ per Cent. Duty and is remains only 1 4 0 £ 0 17 8

Leaves clear very little above 2d. each, all other China Ware ſold at the Houſe muſt be calculated in the ſame Manner.

LACQUERED WARE.

Suppoſe a Teaboard ſells for 8s. 45 Kings 15½ Co. and Dir. 60½ per Cent. is 0 4 9 £ 0 3 3

All others calculate it the ſame Manner.