XII. THE SUN ANIMALCULE. 



" He who feels contempt 

 For any living thing, hath faculties 

 Which he lias never used." TENNYSON. 

 " I am myself an irradiated manifestation of the Supreme." 

 RIG VEDA (Hindu). 



THE Sun Animalcule i.e., Actinophrys sol, belongs 

 to a class of very remarkable animals. It consists 

 of a small bit of globular protoplasm, with spines 

 radiating in every direction from its surface ; and, 

 when seen in perfect condition for the first time 

 under the microscope with proper illumination, it 

 seems to shine " like the sun in its brightness." 

 Hence the original observers gave it the name of 

 Sun Animalcule. Indeed, any old ordinary picture 

 of the sun would do very well for Actinophrys, as 

 conveying a general idea of its form ; though in 

 another aspect the moon would be a more appro- 

 priate symbol of its character, for it shines with a 



