laston. The latter was the first who gave a regular formula for extracting it ; he dissolved the soluble part 
of kelp in water, and after evaporating it as long as it continued to afford crystals, he added a little more 
sulphuric acid to the remaining liquid than was necessary to neutralize the free soda which it contained, 
and after all action had ceased, he added as much black oxide of manganese to the clear liquor which re- 
mained, and on the application of heat, iodine was disengaged. The soap manufacturers obtain their prin- 
cipal supply of soda from kelp; and Dr. Ure found, that a very large quantity of iodine may be obtained 
from the brown oily liquid which remains after most of the soda has been abstracted from the kelp-ley. A 
basin is filled about one-half with this liquid, after it has been heated to 230°, and for every eight ounces 
about one ounce of sulphuric acid is added, previously diluted with its own bulk of water; a violent effer- 
vescence immediately ensues : sulphur is deposited, while sulphureted hydrogen, sulphurous, carbonic, and 
muriatic acids are disengaged ; and on cooling, crystals are deposited, consisting principally of sulphate of 
soda. The liquid is filtered, put into a glass retort, and to every twelve ounces, one thousand grains of the 
black oxide of manganese are to be added; heat is now to be applied, and the iodine rises in a rich purple 
vapour, which condenses in crystalline plates. It is collected by adapting a receiver to the retort, from 
which it is easily withdrawn by a little water. 
Iodine is a solid substance of a bluish-black colour and metallic lustre. It is soft and friable, and is 
obtained generally in the form of small scales, sometimes in rhomboidal plates, and even in elongated octo- 
hedrons; it does not conduct electricity. It has a pungent odour, an acrid taste, and stains the skin of a 
deep brownish-yellow colour ; when taken in considerable quantity, it acts as a strong poison. 
Dr. Coindet, of Geneva, suspecting from analogy that iodine was the active principle in sponge, was 
induced to try it in those cases for which burnt sponge was administered, and his success in the treatment of 
bronchocele was very remarkable. It has been used by many practitioners both on the continent and in 
our own country, with undiminished reputation. Success is most commonly to be expected in recent cases, 
and when the patient is young; several instances have, however, occurred, in which old, hard, and very 
large goitres have yielded to this remedy; but in such instances as the course of treatment is protracted, 
it may have injurious effects on the stomach;' to obviate which it has been the object to introduce the 
remedy by means of friction: and a case is recorded by Mr. Rickwood, where a patient was cured at 
the age of seventy years. Iodine has been likewise employed in the treatment of scrofula with equal 
success; and in the hands of M. M. Hufeland and Osan, the efficacy of the tincture of iodine, and 
hydriodate of potass has been fully proved; they have also employed the same preparations with 
advantage in scirrhus and cancer. Dr. Wagner speaks of its beneficial influence on a tumour situated in the 
neighbourhood of the jaw, which he considered cancerous. 
Dr. Baron has employed it with some success in the treatment of scrofulous phthisis, and other tuber- 
culous affections; and the late Mr. Haden also reports a case of phthisis supposed to have been cured by 
iodine. Cases are also recorded of its success in ovarian dropsy. The most sanguine will hardly venture 
to hold out Iodine or any other substance yet known, as a cure for those terrible scourges of the human 
race, cancer, and phthisis, such ill judged promises only foster empiricism, but in scrofula, in rheumatism, 
and some kinds of gout, and especially where the constitution has been undermined either by mercury, or 
by any of the complaints for which that mineral has been given, Iodine is a powerful remedy, and one of 
the most important acquisitions of modern science. 
The value of iodine as a remedial agent in a vast variety of important diseases, does not rest on the 
testimony of one or two individuals only; but its employment is established through the concurrent 
testimonies of many eminent men in different countries. 
If iodine be taken in doses too large, or be not properly watched as to its effects, it is apt to produce 
inflammation of the stomach, attended by nausea, incessant vomiting, and general emaciation. 
These facts, however important to be known, do not in the least militate against the judicious em- 
ployment of a remedy, so justly valued by every scientific physician. 
FUCUS (vel Gigartina.) HEMINTHOCORTON. 
Corsican Worm-moss. 
This small species is found growing in the Mediterranean sea, on the coast of Corsica, attached to calca- 
reous rocks and other marine bodies. The root is wholly composed of creeping fibres, variously branched 
and thickly interwoven. The fronds are very numerous, from the same base, clustered into compact, 
cushion-like tufts, some inches in width, an inch or an inch and half long, erect, straight, or slightly flexuose 
cylindrical, not thicker than hog’s bristles, once or twice irregularly dichotomous at short intervals, with 
erecto-patent segments of nearly equal height, all remarkably acuminated. 
