Travels in Peru and India While Superintending the Collection of Chinchona Plants and Seeds in South America, and Their Introduction into India.

"Travels in Peru and India" by Sir Clements R. Markham, is a 19th-century narrative chronicling the expeditions to gather and transplant Chinchona plants—essential for quinine production—from South America to India. The story follows the botanical, geographical, and historical aspects of the Chinchona trees, along with Markham’s voyages in Peru and the farming projects in India, showcasing important people and happenings. The narrative starts with the importance of Chinchona trees, noting their medicinal traits discovered in Peru and their key role in fighting off fevers. Markham explains his quest to gather the plants and seeds in South America, which includes tough trips into unknown forests, and shines a light on the main people who helped with the task. The early parts highlight the historical setting of the Peruvian officials' work and how the local people used the bark, leading into an engaging examination of the travel adventures and the wide-ranging effects of Chinchona farming on medicine and business.