Mr Brown on the Mucilage of the Fuci, 409 



the heel and points of the toes to be worn long before the mid- 

 dle of the sole, which, with the heel, are the two points that 

 sustain the weight of the body. 



It is well known that a thin-soled boot or shoe of the ordinary 

 kind, will last longer in proportion to its thickness than a thick 

 one will. Stout boots of the patent kind, by their elasticity, 

 possess all the pliancy of a thin sole, while they retain all the 

 strength and thickness of the strongest kinds. 



The advantages gained to the wearers of such articles must 

 be obvious by the preceding observations ; for the combination 

 of lightness, elasticity, and durability, will permit them to take 

 long and continued exercise without injuring their feet. To 

 the military man they must be of the greatest service, as he 

 is not only exposed to long and continued exercise, but is 

 frequently loaded with a burden in addition,* that renders it 

 extremely painful if the coverings for his feet have no sym- 

 pathy with the functions thereof, — besides, his general strength 

 will be more or less eflPective in proportion to the stability of 

 footing which he possesses. 



That the patent elastic boots and shoes possess the advantages 

 now stated, is amply established by the test of experience. 



Edinburgh, 57 Frederick Street, James Dowie. 



On the Mucilage of the Fuci, with Remarhs on its application 

 to economical ends.\ By Mr Samuel Brown, junior, Had- 

 dington. J 



In the autumn of last year (1836), I was requested by my 

 father to examine the mucilaginous matter of the common sea- 



* When an infantry soldier is on the march, the weight of his clothing 

 and accoutrements, &c. is about sixty pounds. 



+ Read before the Society for the Encouragement of the Useful Arts in 

 Scotland, 26th April 1837. 



X Report of Committee on Mr Brottn^s paper, the Muc'dage of the Fuci. — The 

 Committee on Mr Brown's paper on the Mucilage of the Fuci, have to re- 

 port, that the subject discussed in the paper is one of the highest import- 

 ance, and well worthy the attention of the Society, which is deeply indebted 

 to Mr Brown for bringing it before their notice. At the same time, while 



VOL. XXVI. NO. LII. APKIL 1839. D d 



