CONTENTS 



FOREWORD, by Linn J. Boyd, M.D., F.A.C.P., v 



I. INTRODUCTION, 1 



Increasing importance of algae and plankton. Multiplicity of reports in non- 

 medical publications. Physicians' general ignorance of subject. Objectives of book. 



II. DEFINITIONS AND CLASSIFICATIONS, 2 



A. Algae, 2 



Definition. Distribution and habitat. Size and structure. Metabolism and 

 composition. Role of photosynthesis. Confusion in classifications. Current classifi- 

 cation into seven Divisions. Most important groups. 



B. Plankton, 3 



Interrelationship of algae and plankton. Definitions. Significance in aquatic 

 nutritional cycle. Zooplankton. Phytoplankton. Ultraplankton. Nannoplankton. 

 Hekistoplankton. Littoral, benthal, and limnetic growths. Variation of growth with 

 environment. 



III. MACROSCOPIC ALGAE (SEAWEED), 5 



A. Nutritional Aspects, 5 



Seaweeds as food in ancient times. Popularity in Orient. Diversity of names 

 and uses. Purple laver. Green laver. Dulse. Agar and isenglass. Irish moss. 

 Seaweed bread. Sausage casings. Custard powder. Nutritional content. Prepon- 

 derance of carbohydrate. Structure of carbohydrates. Paucity of proteins. Amino 

 acids. Lipid content. Minerals and trace elements. Iodine. Seaweed as fertilizer 

 and animal provender. Feeding experiments. Neurologic disorder in lambs. Rela- 

 tion to "swayback." Effectiveness of supplementing diet with copper. 



B. Medicinal Uses, 13 



Legendary and empirical origins. Employment by Chinese. Lavers for 

 throat ailments, goiter, and dropsy. Seaweed derivatives for menstrual difficulties, 

 abscesses, cancer, and inflammations. Birds' nest soup as aphrodisiac. Algal prepara- 

 tions in India for bronchocoele and goiter. Syphilis. Poultices of filamentous algae. 

 Hawaiian extracts for digestive disturbances. Scabies. Constipation. Earache. Goiter. 

 Renal disorders. Infections and sprains. Roman use of algae for sores, wounds, 

 and gout. Corraline as external absorbent for skin lesions, as internal absorbent for 

 hepatic and digestive disorders. "Sea lettuce" as source of salt for Iroquois. Iodine- 

 containing seaweeds in thyroid disease. Agar as bulk, demulcent, and absorbent in 

 gastro-intestinal disturbances. Seaweeds as anthelmintics. Irish moss as respiratory 



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