Dragon's Brain Perfume : An Historical Geography of Camphor / R.A. Donkin.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Donkin, R. A., author.

Series:

Asian Studies - Book Archive pre-2000.

Brill's Indological library ; 14.

Asian Studies - Book Archive pre-2000

Brill's Indological Library ; 14

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Camphor.

Physical Description:

1 online resource

Other Title:

An Historical Geography of Camphor

Place of Publication:

Leiden ; Boston : Brill, 1999.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

In the Dragon's Brain Perfume (a Chinese description of Camphor) once more the existence and importance of world systems of exchange becomes clear. In the pre-industrial world aromatic substances have always counted among the most prominent items of long-distance trade. The finest camphor came from Malaya, Borneo and Sumatra, but long-distance trade took it to societies at the geographical poles of demand - China and the medieval West already in late Antiquity (ca. 6th century A.D.). In India it was in use at an even much earlier period. The present monograph opens with a survey of aromata generally - origins, time and place of demand - from the Ancient Civilizations to the Age of Discoveries. Chapter two concerns the natural history of camphor; subsequent chapters are organized by regions ( India, Western Asia, the medieval West, South East Asia, China and Japan ), with a postscript on Origins and Diffusion. Evidence is drawn from an extensive range of sources in natural and cultural history.The work includes 15 original maps, 28 illustrations, and an extensive bibliography.

Contents:

Preliminary Material / R.A. Donkin

Maps / R.A. Donkin

Figures / R.A. Donkin

Acknowledgements / R.A. Donkin

Preface / R.A. Donkin

Chapter One Aromata / R.A. Donkin

Chapter Two Camphor / R.A. Donkin

Chapter Three India / R.A. Donkin

Chapter Four Western Asia / R.A. Donkin

Chapter Five The Medieval West / R.A. Donkin

Chapter Six South East Asia / R.A. Donkin

Chapter Seven China and Japan / R.A. Donkin

Postscript Origins and Modes of Diffusion / R.A. Donkin

Bibliography of Works Cited / R.A. Donkin

Indices / R.A. Donkin.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record.

Other Format:

Print version: Dragon's Brain Perfume : An Historical Geography of Camphor.

ISBN:

9789004644786

Publisher Number:

10.1163/9789004644786 DOI

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license.