li ANIMALCULA OF INFUSIONS. 



129 



vortex is interrupted, during the divifion of the 

 animalcule ; and both continue when it is finifh- 

 ed. After feparation, the pofterior part acquires 

 the filaments ; and, in a fhort time, alfo produces 

 a vortex. 



I have counted fourteen fpecies of animalcula 

 multiplying in this manner : only two merit de- 

 fcription. We fee a kind of circular animalcula, 

 above the middle fize, in infufions of bearded 

 wheat. From the circumference of the body 

 arife a circle of minute protrafted points fimiiar 

 to very ilender cones, and in the quickell mo~ 

 tion. This animalcule and its points are men- 

 tioned in my Diifertation ; but for want of the 

 neceffary obfervations, I was uncertain of what 

 ufe they might be (i). Now, I do not think my- 

 felf deceived in fuppofmg that they ferve for 

 fwimming, as the fins and limbs of fo many other 

 aquatic animals. This is deduced from two rea- 

 fons ; firft, becaufe the points are at refl while 

 the animal is tranquil,- from their motion when 

 it moves, and the accelerated vibration when at 

 its greateft velocity. Secondly, if, by any acci- 

 dent, the number of points is diminiflied, the ani- 

 Vol. L I n^al 



and removal from the focus of the microfcope, render it 

 a nice and delicate matter to bring them diftin(aiy into 

 view T. 



(i) Capitol. 2, 



