34 



VIEWS OF THE MICROSCOPIC WORLD. 



In figure 25, such a cluster is seen containing eight animalcules, and the shells 

 of three which have perished. The motion of the vibrating cilia is indicated by 

 the currents ; and through the united and harmonious action of these strange 

 organs, the entire branch of animated atoms proceeds as one body through the 

 water. 



This animalcule is found in the water of swamps ; its length is about one-five 

 hundred and seventieth part of an inch, and that of a cluster one-one hundred 

 and twentieth of an inch. 



THE PROTEUS. In figures 27, 28, and 29, a most remarkable animalcule is exhi- 

 Fig. 2. Fig. 27. bited, which varies in size 



from one-one hundred and 

 fortieth, to one-seventieth 

 of an inch in length. 



It appears under the 

 microscope as a pale yel- 

 low mass of jelly-like mat- 

 ter, and is endued with 

 the power of changing its 

 shape to a very extraordi- 

 nary degree, as is obvious 

 from the inspection of the 

 figures. From this circum- 

 stance it is termed the 

 Proteus ; the name of the 

 Fig. 29. wondrous sea-god, who 

 could assume at will, every form, turning himself into animals, trees, fire, and 

 water ; according to the fables of the classic poets. 



The Proteus can hardly be said to possess any original shape ; for it is capa- 

 ble of relaxing itself in one place, and contracting in others ; and of pushing 

 out from every part of its body long arms and feelers, (a a a, &c.) which are its 

 organs of motion, to the number of ten or twelve at one time. These members 

 the animalcule can again withdraw into its body, and protrude others from a dif- 

 ferent place, if it pleases so to do. This animalcule, like those which have already 

 been described, is polygastric in its structure, and its numerous stomachs are visi- 

 ble even in their natural state ; but their position and form is more clearly seen 

 when distended with a colored fluid. 



In the figures, their situations are indicated by the larger cavities, (b b 6, <fec.) and 

 are represented as they exist, dispersed throughout the body of the creature. 



BACILLARIA, OR, STICK-ANIMALCULES. We now proceed to the examination 

 of a species of a numerous class of existences, which are found in all waters both 

 salt and fresh, and which, from the appearances they exhibit, are termed Bacilla- 

 ria ; from the Latin word bacillum. a little stick. They are called existences. 



