Discovered : by Bernard Courtois in 1811 Isolated in Paris, France Origin : The name is derived from the Greek ‘iodes’, meaning violet Description : Iodine comes as black, shiny crystals that dissolve in alcohol; the result is sold as an antiseptic solution. Iodine salts (iodides) are used in dyes and photography, as industrial catalysts and in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals. Iodine is also an essential element for humans, who require a daily intake of iodine (as iodide) of about a tenth of a milligramme (only 1/300,000th of an ounce). Our bodies contain up to 20 milligrammes, mainly in the thyroid gland. Normally we get enough from the food we eat, but people eating food grown in areas where the soil lacks iodides can develop a swollen thyroid known as goitre. Image : Iodine is present in types of seaweed.