INFTTSOniAL ANIMALCULES. 7 



24. The c-vidcnt and preat quickness of the motion of Infnsoria, is 

 reducible as follows: ITijdatina scnta, moves l-12tli of an inch in 

 four seconds; 3Ionas punctum, the same in forty-eight seconds ; while 

 Navicida gracilis, takes six-minutes twenty-four seconds to progress 

 the same distance. 



25. Linneus said, omnis calx e vermihus : — either to maintain or 

 deny omnis silex omne ferrumve vermihis, would be, at the present 

 moment, imjust. 



26. The direct observations, as yet kno-mi, upon the theory of 

 generatio primitiva, are wanting in necessary strictness. Those 

 observers, who profess to have seen the sudden origin of the minutest 

 Infusoria from elementary substances, have quite overlooked the 

 compound structure of these organic bodies. 



27. The frequent wonderful changes of form of many Infusoria 

 arc yet to have their limits, and the laws governing them defined. 



28. The power of infusorial organization is instinctively shown by 

 the strong chewing apparatus, with teeth, which they possess, and 

 their exhibition, likewise, of a complete mental activity. 



29. The study of the Infusoria has led to a more distinct and con- 

 clusive notion of animal organization generally, and the limits which 

 circumscribe the animal form ; from which all plants and minerals, 

 that want the animal organic system, are strongly and distinctly 

 separated. 



30. Finally, — it results from these inquiries, that experience 

 shows an unfathomableness of organic creations, when attention is 

 directed to the smallest space, as it docs of stars, when reverting to 

 the most immense. 



Section I. — Localities and Appearance of Infusoria in Masses. — In 

 investigating most branches of practical science, especially those 

 relating to Natural History, the subjects to which our observations 

 are to be directed are generally difficult of attainment, and the 

 inquiry cannot be prosecuted without considerable inconvenience. 

 Tliis, however, is not the case Avith respect to the Infusorial Animal- 

 cules. We can examine them in our chamber, at any leisure moment, 

 and at any time or season , and Ave can procure them, at least the 

 ordinary kinds, such as the Paramecium, Iiolpoda, kc, with the 

 utmost lacilitv, — for thcv abound in muist waters wherein the stalks 



