390 Miscellanies. 
proportion of pectic acid a considerable quantity of sulphur, and 
some chlorine and bromine and another acid combined with lime 
have been discovered, the latter proves to be the oxalic acid. 
Neither the fungic nor boletic nor lichenic acids could be detect- 
ed and the existence of iodine I have not been able as yet to detect. 
By extracting the pectic acid with caustic potassa, I found the moss 
taken up and altogether dissolved and after treating the gelatinous 
mass with chloride of calcium, muriatic acid and applying alcohol 
to separate the acid, at least 0-6 of this last was the result. 
By reducing the moss to coal and dissolving it in water, sulphuret- 
ted hydrogen gas was evolved very abundantly; protoxide of iron, 
subcarbonate of potassa, diluted sulphuric acid and lime water gave 
copious precipitates. 
The chemical characters of this moss are too interesting to be con- 
sidered as completely determined by the few superficial experiments, 
undertaken to discover its properties, especially as they were made 
at a time when I have been continually interrupted by an attention to 
the duties of my profession, and I consider them as having been un- 
dertaken more for the satisfaction of my curiosity, than as tending to 
a complete and scientific investigation of such an invaluable medical 
substance as carrageen, but I hope to be able very shortly to develop 
with more accuracy the entire composition of this singular moss. 
The carrageen seems to possess qualities similar to the Iceland 
moss, which according to Berzelius’ last analysis, (a masterpiece in 
every respect,) consists in 100 parts of 3.6 syrup, 1-9 bitartrate of 
potassa, tartrate and some phosphate of lime, 3-0 bitter principle, 1-6 
green wax, 3°7 gum, 7:0 coloring matter, like extract, 44-6 lichen 
starch, 36:2 starch-like matter; but carrageen is without bitter 
principle, contains nothing but soluble matter and the quantity of nu- 
tritious jelly, produced by a small portion of it, gives it the most indis- 
putable preference.—It was first introduced by Dr. Reece, who 
considered it a most important article of food for invalids, and 
Doctors Sulby, O’Reilly and Sir Henry Halford, speak of the carra- 
geen as the most nutritious article of diet for invalids they are ac- 
quainted with as well asa light nutritious food for delicate and weakly 
children. In this respect, it is certainly superior to arrow root, sago 
&c. being more highly nutritious, easy of digestion, and pleasing to 
the taste. 
Prepared’ with warm milk and sweetened, it is most particularly 
recommended as a breakfast for consumptive patients. 
