68 J. D. Dana on Zoophytes. 
The existence of such terms in the science as polypary, polypi- 
dom, applied to coral, signifying a hive or house of polyps, indi- 
cates the errors of former days; errors which science should not 
perpetuate. Asa substitute, the old term Corallum* is conven- 
ient and unobjectionable. Corallium has been rejected because 
of its application to a particular genus of corals. In Corallwm, 
we have a familiar word ; and one which implies no hypothesis 
or erroneous comparison. 'The analogy between the work of 
the polyp, and that of the bee or ant, though often suggested, is 
wholly without foundation. 
The existence of coral secretions, is by no means essential to 
the existence of polyps. Although a large number of species 
form coral, there are also many that are wholly fleshy, or secrete 
only a few seattered granules of lime. ‘The Actinize, or sea- 
anemones, as they are familiarly called, are examples of these 
fleshy species. In every point of structure, and in every func- 
tion except that of coral-secreting, they are identical with coral 
animals. They have also the same resemblance to flowers when 
expanded, and their rich tints and large size make them the most 
brilliant flower-animals of any seas. 
One of the most singular characters of zoophytes, is their fre- 
quent compound nature. ‘The branching Madrepore is an ex- 
ample of this compound structure. There are hundreds of polyps 
united in a single individual. Each little prominence containing 
a cell pertained to a separate animal; and by counting these 
prominences over a branch of coral, the kntanboe of flower-animals 
combined in its production may be ascertained. In the same man- 
ner, in Astreeas, each radiate cell or depression over the surface 
marks the site of a polyp. ‘The many animals, though distinct 
in some functions are still mutually dependent in others, as we 
shall explain in the sequel. 
Although these compound forms are most common, yet there 
are other zoophytes which are always simple polyps. 'The coral 
* Coral has been variously designated in both ancient and modern times. The 
erms Corallium, Corallum and Curalium, were all used by the ancients, and their 
derivations and use are discussed at len gth by Theophrastus in his work on plants, 
Iv. Kougadiov is the ancient Greek form, as says Dionysius, “ ravtn yag vidos 
tot1y eubgoy apolar, ” The more recent Greeks, among whom are Dioscorides 
and Hes: wrote the word xopadtiov. Among the Latins, Ovid wrote, “ Sic 
et curalium an primum contigit auras tempore durescit.” Avienus uses Coral- 
jum: “Fulvotamen invenire Corallo querere vivendi commercica.”” Among the 
derivations suggested, that of xen, damsel, and sb ae pl aang 
* 
