26 THOUGHTS ON ANIMALCULES. 



and the above exposition of its structure renders the 

 phenomena previously described, namely, the production 

 of several perfect animals from the vivisection of an in- 

 dividual, perfectly intelligible. 



The formation of the young polypes by 'gemmation 

 or buds, as in certain plants, is in accordance with this 

 simplicity of structure. A small protuberance appears 

 externally on some part of the body of the polype, and 

 gradually enlarges and becomes elongated ; arms speedily 

 shoot forth from the free extremity, and a miniature Hydra 



first stage of disordered action, and correct the functional derangement, 

 ere the structure of the organ is seriously impaired. And, since the first 

 germ of disease is located in the cells, reason suggests, and experience 

 confirms the propriety of employing our remedial measures in such man- 

 ner as shall ensure, as far as possible, their direct influence on the inti- 

 mate structure of the affected organ. Thus, in certain morbid conditions 

 of the lungs and air-passages, the inhalation of vapour impregnated with 

 those substances that are known to act beneficially ia such affections is the 

 most effectual mode of treatment, and that which, above all others, ac- 

 cording to my experience, holds out the fairest prospect of cure in the 

 early stage of Consumption, and the most certain alleviation of the dis- 

 tressing symptoms which but too frequently attend its progress to the 

 fatal termination. Even with our present limited and imperfect experience 

 of the effects of the inhalation of certain remedies in phthysis^, such bene- 

 ficial results have been obtained, that, in the acknowledged inutihty of all 

 other measures, (not excepting change of climate, which it is the fashion 

 to estimate very far above its real value), the neglect of this probable 

 means of cure, and of certain alleviation, cannot be too strongly con- 

 demned. The importance of the subject will, it is hoped, excuse this 

 digression. 



