10 THE UNIVERSE. 



After this demonstration of the resources at its command, 

 will any one accuse micrography of giving rise to those vain 

 illusions with which those who do not enter upon the in- 

 vestigation it requires with a proper degree of patience are 

 pleased to reproach it ? Perchance ! for this science has 

 never ceased to recall the interminable discussions which 

 overhung its cradle. The dispute between Leuwenhoeck 

 and Hartzoeker is not yet allayed. 



CHAPTER I. 



MICROSCOPIC ANIMALCULES. 



The animalcules which compose the microscopic world 

 have for a long time been known by the name of Infusoria, 

 but the term ought to be abandoned, as many of these 

 creatures do not live in infusions, but, on the contrary, in- 

 habit the sea and fresh water. It would therefore be better 

 to substitute the names Microzoa and Protozoa ; x the for- 

 mer meaning little animals, the latter the obscure begin- 

 nings of animal organization. The latter name is exten- 

 sively used in England. 



For a long time the anatomy of these invisible beings ap- 

 peared a perfect mystery, and men despaired of ever com- 

 prehending it. Baron Gleichen, having steeped carmine in 

 w r ater containing some of these animalcules, was quite as- 

 tonished to see them fill themselves with coloring matter. 



1 Names derived from the Greek words mikron zoon, little animal, and proton 

 zoon, first animal. 



