139 



Lastly, evolution is not uniform in all parts of the 

 genii, they grow unequally, and this inequality of 

 growth may influence the effects of contact, pressure, 

 adhesion, &c. Thus, a monster that is produced with 

 superfluous members, may derive them from a germ 

 that has perisli-ed, and of which only these members re- 

 mained. We plainly see how many causes may destroy 

 such, or such a part, and produce a monster ly defect. 



But all monsters, ly excess, might not owe their 

 origin to the union of two germs. Certain parts may 

 grow excessively by the concurrence of particular cir- 

 cumstances, and augment the number of similar parts in 

 the same individual. A subject with twenty-six ribs is 

 really a monster by excess. It has been proved that 

 supernumerary ribs are entirely owing to the unnatural 

 developement of a bony appendage of the transverse 

 apothysis of one of the vertebrae. The causes which 

 operate in the like unfoldings, act nearly as the liquor 

 of the ass on the ears and larynx of the horse. 



As supernumerary ribs unfold themselves, so two or 

 three ribs unite themselves into a single one, and these 

 kind of cases are not rare, either in the vegetable or 

 animal kingdom. Such parts as almost touch each 

 other, are very apt to unite : two drops of jelly, and of 

 the same jelly, unite very easily. 



17. The principles I have laid down concerning the 

 generation of animals, are likewise applicable to that 

 of plants. What the prolific liquor is to the former, the 

 dust of the stamina is to the latter. There is a wonder- 

 ful analogy betwixt these two classes of organized 

 bodies. The seed, which so nearly resembles the egg, 

 does therefore, in all probability, contain a gerra, which 

 existed in an invisible manner before fecundation, which 

 makes it sensible to us. It appears first of all like a 

 greenish or yellowish speck. It has been thought that 

 a grain of the stamina dust has been perceived in this 

 speck : the germs have on this account bees placed in 

 this dust, and introduced themselves into the seeds, 

 which were destined to receive and nourish them. But 



