CORALLIUM RUKRUM. 235 



however, has observed minute filaments projecting from the crust, 

 which were retracted on the slightest agitation of the water. 



This species of Coralline consists chiefly of an animal matter, 

 which possesses the properties of coagulated albumen, and carbonate 

 of lime. It was once in use as an antacid in calculous complaints, 

 but is altogether inert, and is now entirely banished from British 

 practice. 



CORALLIUM RUBRUM. 



Red Coral. 

 Pl. XXX. fig. 2. 



Order Corticifera, Lamarck. 



(ten. Char. Polijpary fixed, plant-shaped, branched, 

 not articulated, covered with a cortical crust; axis 

 caulescent, branching, stony, solid, striated on the 

 surface; crust soft and fleshy in the recent state, in 

 which are the polypi ; thick, porous, and reddish 

 when dried ; polypi with eight ciliated and radiated 

 tcntacula at the mouth. 



Spec. Char. Branches cylindrical, bright red, rose- 

 coloured, or whitish. 



KoupaWiov el KopaWiov ; Theophr. Diosc. v. 139. Cnralium ct Gorgon ia, 

 Plin. Isis nobilis; Syst. Nat. Gmelin,p. 3S05. Gorgonia nobilis ; Soland. 

 and Ellis, t. 15. Coiallium rubruni; Raii, Hist. i. p. 66; Bauli. Pin. p. 360; 

 Aldrov. IMus. Metall. 21)0; Uans. list. Corall. Franco/. 16G9; Ltn/iour. 

 Polyp. Flex. p. 456; Lamar. Anim.sans Verteb. ii. p. 297. 



Red Coral, the Isis nobilis of Linneus, is principally found in the 

 Indian and Mediterranean Seas, and forms an important article of 

 commerce.* Its general appearance is that of a small shrub. 



• See F'oiret's Voyage en IiarLurie, aud Spallanzani'* Travels in the Two Sici- 

 lies, 4c vol. ir. p. 308. 



