A Practical Treatise on the China and Eastern Trade : comprising the Commerce of Great Britain and India, with China and the Eastern Islands, with directions and numerous tables, etc.

John Phipps

Calcutta : Baptist Mission Press, 1835

First edition. Quarto, 47 cm. Original boards with plain blue papers wrapped on boards. Contemporary signature to title page of Thompson Roberts & Co. xix, 338 pp, lxii (of lxvi). Foxing to blue wraps. Lacking last 2 leaves of appendix. Dampstaining and discoloration to margins affecting text.  Several holes in title, margin tears, browning. 

Thompson Roberts were the principle agents of Matheson & Company in Batavia. 

Issued after theSaint Helena Act 1833 or The Government of India Act 1833 which removed the monopoly held by The East India Company with China and other parts of the Far East. This is an compilation of sales records, port regulations and duties from several sources for ready reference for merchants at the time. A significant portion of the devoted to Tea, with description of the plant, its culture and preparation. Phipps also includes details of opium in China, one of Britian largest economical ventures. Refs: Kress C4013; Taylor, pages 198-99; Morrison I, page 593.