An introduction to the study of seaweeds / by George Murray.

  • Murray, George (George Robert Milne), 1858-
Date:
1895
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An introduction to the study of seaweeds / by George Murray. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    exclusion of barilla as an import from our markets during the long war. The price of kelp then rose so high that the income of the Outer Hebrides from this source alone was computed to have reached £120,000 a year. The industry practically came to an end with the peace and the reintroduction of barilla, while the removal of the salt duty struck a further blow at the revenue of these districts. Kelp is now used only in the manufacture of iodine, and as a manure. The common sea-wrack or bladder- wrack (Fuciis vesiculosus) has been used medicinally for a variety of diseases, but its reputation in this respect has been acquired principally as a remedy for obesity. Bentley and Trimen (Medicinal Plants, vol. iv. p. 304) state that farther trials are neces- sary before any definite conclusions can be arrived at on its action, and its value as a remedy in obesity. It would appear that it is the essential constituent in the nostrum now so extensively advertised under the name of Anti-Fat. As a food, or rather as a sauce, the species of Porphyra known as Laver are not sufficiently appreciated. Laver is not only abun- dant, but is easily preserved. Carragheen, sometimes called Irish Moss (Chondrus crispus), is used for its nutritive properties, which however appear to have been over-valued. Dulse (Rhodymenia palmate) and tangles (Alaria escidentd) are eaten by the hardy, but are extremely indigestible. The Chinese and Japanese engage in an extensive industry in seaweed products, and certain species are cultivated. Ceylon Moss, or Jaffna Moss (Gracilaria lichencddes), a seaweed which abounds in Eastern seas, is the source of Agar-Agar,
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