VARIOUS USES OF ALG^!. 143 



markably well, a result to be anticipated from the 

 chemical constituents of the plant. 



It may further be mentioned that from marine 

 plants the chemical substance called iodine is ex- 

 tracted. This substance is of very great value in 

 medical practice, possessing great efficacy in reduc- 

 ing glandular and other tumours. It is said also 

 that the mucilaginous seed vessels of the Fucus 

 vesiculosus, when soaked in brandy, may be used 

 with excellent effect as an external application in 

 diseases of the throat, and that the sea-water in 

 which they have been bruised in a considerable 

 quantity, affords a valuable strengthening bath for 

 the limbs of weak and delicate children. A black 

 salt, also possessed of medicinal powers, has also 

 been procured from the same plant. 



Thus external appearances are not always to be 

 trusted as evidence of intrinsic worth, and many 

 virtues may lurk under a very plain and unosten- 

 tatious exterior. Those sea-weeds, thus capable 

 of being put to so many valuable uses, are the 

 least beautiful of all their tribe. But, like some of 

 the most valuable land plants, their sombre and 

 unpretending aspect is made ample amends for by 

 the valuable qualities they possess. 



The Rhodomenia palmata, already referred 

 to, contains a considerable quantity of saccharine 

 matter, is considered the most nutritious as well as 

 the most agreeable of all the sea- weeds used as food, 

 at least in Europe. It is eaten raw by the natives 

 of the Scottish coasts, and in former times was 

 regularly brought to market in the larger cities. 



