CHAP, i.] from Brnufds to Kaspar Baiihin. 21 



to give a clear idea of this the first botanic terminology by 

 selected examples ; yet the attempt must be made, because it 

 is in this way only that we learn to see from what feeble 

 beginnings the later scientific terminology and morphology 

 has been developed. Thus we read : ' Acinus ' denotes 

 not merely, as many believe, the grains inside the grape, but 

 the whole fruit, which consists of juice, of a fleshy portion with 

 the stones (' vinaceis '), and of the outer skin. Galen is quoted 

 as authority for the following explanation : ' Alae ' are said to 

 be the hollows (angles) between the stem and its branches (the 

 leaves), from which new sprouts (* proles ') proceed. ' Asparragi,' 

 the germs of herbs which appear before the leaves and the 

 first edible shoots are developed. ' Baccae ' are smaller ' foetus ' 

 of herbs, shrubs, and trees, which appear separate and isolated 

 on the plant, as for example laurel-berries (* partus lauri '), and 

 differ from acini, inasmuch as these are more crowded together. 

 ' Internodium ' is that which lies between the articulations or 

 knees. ' Racemus ' is used for the bunch of grapes, but does not 

 belong to the vine only, but also to the ivy and other herbs and 

 shrubs which bear clusters of any kind. The majority of such 

 explanations of names concern the forms of the stem and the 

 branches, but the most remarkable thing about the whole list 

 is, that it does not include the words flower and root ; yet 

 under the word ' julus ' occurs the statement, that it is that which 

 in the hazel ' compactili callo racematim cohaeret,' and may be 

 described as a long worm borne on a special pendent stalk 

 and coming before the fruit. Though the word flower is not 

 explained, yet some parts of the flower are mentioned ; thus it 

 is said, ' stamina sunt, qui in medio calycis erumpunt apices, sic 

 dicta quod veluti filamenta intimo floris sinu prosiliant.' The 

 explanation of the word fruit may be added : ' Fructus, quod 

 carne et semine compactum est ; frequenter tamen pro eo, quod 

 involucre perinde quasi carne et semine coactum est, accipi 

 solet.' 



Progress in this direction was slow but still recognisable. In 



