OYSTERS. 547 
in a tin can, and the cheese went a great way, for it was very 
strong.” 
The elementary composition of Mussels, Clams, Winkles, 
Scallops, and other molluscs (soft-shelled), is very similar to that 
of the Oyster; but these cannot be regarded as foods of equally 
important value, except, perhaps, as respecting the Clam, which 
some American doctors believe to have four times the food- 
worth of the Oyster for persons suffering from nervous prostration. 
This mollusc contains a large amount of phosphorus, in com- 
bination with earthy salts. Clam-broth is supplied in tins 
(by the Messrs. Fuller, London) as consisting of concentrated 
Clam-juice, an admirable medicament for strumous, and con 
sumptive invalids. It is a thick liquid with a strong fishy smell, 
like that of the lobster. For cooking it, take therewith one 
part of fresh milk, and a little fresh butter, and some ground 
white pepper. Heat quickly, but not to boil; and serve hot, 
with dice of toast. An enamelled saucepan should be used, 
and the broth sent up in a breakfast cup, or small bowl. The 
albuminates of the Clam are in a high proportion, being soluble, 
and not spoilt by boiling. Celery is an improvement to the 
broth. “Allow me,” said the irrepressible Sam Weller, “to 
express a hope as you won't reduce me to extremities ; in sayin’ 
which I merely quote what the nobleman addressed to the 
fractious Periwinkle. ven he vouldn’t come out 0’is shell by means 
of a pin, and he consequently began to be afeerd that he should 
be obliged to crack him in the parlour door.” 
Wedgewood, referring to the Periwinkle, Pennywinkle, and 
Pinpatch (a sea snail), explains the name as derived from the 
(supposed) Anglo-Saxon “‘ Pinewincle,” ‘‘ Pinwinkle,” or Winkle, 
that is eaten by the help of a pin used in pulling it out from the 
Shell. ‘‘ What capital things Oysters would be,” said a wit, “ if 
we could eat them ourselves, and feed our servants with the 
shells!” The principal constituent of Oyster shells is carbonate 
of lime, their remaining organic elements being phosphate, and 
sulphate of lime and magnesia, silica, oxide of iron, and alumina. 
Some cases of cure effected in cancer by a steady perseverance in 
the medicinal use of Oyster-shell powder are recorded on trust- 
worthy evidence. The late Sir Spencer Wells employed this 
remedy for many such cases, and broached the theory that a 
starvation of certain tumours by lime slowly deposited in the 
blood-vessels commanding their circulation, may be produced 
