656 PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. [aNNO 1683, 



to the root, trunk, branch, leaf, flower, fruit, and lastly to the seed also to be 

 sown again; for each, allowing one whole chapter. In every chapter, the ana- 

 tomy of the part being first given, the uses are subjoined. And there being two 

 chapters for the seed ; in the first is shown the manner of its growth ; and in 

 the last, the manner of its generation. 



The 2d book is divided into two parts. The first contains the anatomy of 

 roots : which is here prosecuted both with the naked eye, and with the micros- 

 cope. It begins with some special remarks on the motions, and some other 

 properties of roots. Next proceeds to the anatomy of the skin, bark, wood, 

 and pith : giving the description of several sorts of sap-vessels ; as also of the 

 air vessels or lungs ; and of the bladders and fibres of the pith and all the pa- 

 renchymous parts of a plant ; and showing the elegant and accurate work of 

 nature in all. Particularly, that the pith is a rete mirabile; herein more curious, 

 than that in the brain, as its fibres are not only exquisitely small, but very re- 

 gularly composed together. 



The 2d part, gives a large account of the vegetation of roots : showing how 

 the ground is prepared for it ; how the sap is imbibed, and distributed to the 

 several parts ; how the several parts are nourished ; how they are formed ; and 

 how they come to be situated or disposed; how roots obtain their different size 

 and shape ; how their diff^erent motion, and different age : how the contents of 

 the several parts are made; and how their odours, colours, and tastes. And 

 what is here said, is also applicable to the same parts in the trunk, &c. 



The 3d book, is also divided into two parts. The first, contains the anatomy 

 of trunks and branches, being here prosecuted in like manner as the former 

 of roots. Further showing the admirable artifice of nature, in the structure 

 and composition of all the parts of a plant. 



The second part, insists on the further clearing of the following particulars, 

 viz. The motion and course of the sap ; the motion and course of the air; the 

 structure of the parts ; the generation of liquors ; the figuration of trunks ; 

 the motion of trunks ; and their nature, as fitted for mechanical use. 



The 4th book, is divided into 4 parts. The first treats of leaves. In which 

 are described, first, their protections and folds : then, those things which ap- 

 pear on their surface; the apparent position of their fibres. Next the aper- 

 tures, parts, and curious texture of leaves : and the time and manner in which 

 they are formed. Where the author designs an ascent to the highest step in 

 the business of generation. 



The 2d part, treats on flowers. In which are described the three general 

 parts of the flower, viz. the empalement; the foliature; and the attire, both 

 the seminiforra, and the florid, in which there is a great deal of curious and 



