Description

Churchill acknowledges Hooker's letter of 11 Apr. He was glad to see that his 'unguided' exertions to obtain acorns from the Turco-Persian frontier, at the request of Mr Loftus for RBG Kew, had been approved of by Hooker. He is sorry to admit his ignorance of botanical science but offers his services such as they are. He is convinced that many interesting and valuable specimens, uppermost of which appear to be resins and dyes, might be found in this country. He lists a Persian work that he believes should be studied, as it describes the plants of Persia, their properties and use. Amongst the resins he notes 'Mumiace' [mummia], a substance in universal use in Persia and central Asia. The substance is only found in one or two places; it is black and oozes out of rocks. It possesses great healing qualities and is applied both inwardly and outwardly. The best is obtained near Behbahan and the genuine Mumiace is considered of great value. He thinks Mr Loftus will no doubt have mentioned it to Hooker. He promises to do all he can to learn about 'Jaff'[?] and shall communicate the result of his researches as soon as possible. Page 1 of 4.

Description

Churchill acknowledges Hooker's letter of 11 Apr. He was glad to see that his 'unguided' exertions to obtain acorns from the Turco-Persian frontier, at the request of Mr Loftus for RBG Kew, had been approved of by Hooker. He is sorry to admit his ignorance of botanical science but offers his services such as they are. He is convinced that many interesting and valuable specimens, uppermost of which appear to be resins and dyes, might be found in this country. He lists a Persian work that he believes should be studied, as it describes the plants of Persia, their properties and use. Amongst the resins he notes 'Mumiace' [mummia], a substance in universal use in Persia and central Asia. The substance is only found in one or two places; it is black and oozes out of rocks. It possesses great healing qualities and is applied both inwardly and outwardly. The best is obtained near Behbahan and the genuine Mumiace is considered of great value. He thinks Mr Loftus will no doubt have mentioned it to Hooker. He promises to do all he can to learn about 'Jaff'[?] and shall communicate the result of his researches as soon as possible. Page 1 of 4.