CRYPTOGAMIA. a 
‘ource to the poor on the west coast of South America. In 
Asia, several species of Gelidium are made use of to render 
more palatable the hot and biting condiments of the East.— 
Gracilaria lichenoides is used for food in the islands of the 
East Indies, 
Mevictnat Prorertres.—The Gigartina Helminthocor- 
ton (Fucus H.), or Corsican Moss, is a native of the Mediter- 
ranean, and frequently employed on the Continent as a ver- 
mifuge, A decoction of Chondrus erispus is sometimes used 
4S an-emollient and demulcent. Sea-weeds are valuable in 
Medicine as furnishing iodine, which is employed with so 
much advantage in cases of bronchocele (goitre, or enlarge- 
ment of the thyroid gland), and for the removal of other in- 
dolent tumours. The Alge contain iodine in the state of a 
hydriodate of potash or soda. The Fucus vesiculosus and 
saccharinus contain considerable quantities of this substance ; 
and M. Ecklond ascertained that Laminaria buccinalis, found 
at the Cape of Good Hope, contains more than any of the 
European Alge ; and, according to Sir Humphry Davy, the 
Alge of France furnish more than those of this country. 
Officinal Plant.—Fucus vesiculosus. 
“ Among these plants,” says De Candolle, “ I do not per- 
; ceive one which is poisonous, or at all suspected.” Rie 
_ Makes the same observation. 
