There were two books re the Burma Road with silver use,Written by Dr.Gordon 
Seagrave,One was "Burma Surgeon", the other was "Burma Surgeon Returns".
This Dr was the instigator of the first M.A.S.H. type of movable field 
Hospital.His use of Silver and native herbs was outstanding,in particular the 
treatment and curing of Tuberculosis.
I had the good fortune to have been able to borrow these books back about 1955.
A fascinating read, 

Harold