136 METAMORPHOSES OF MAN 



of PeysonnePs views. Keaumur, who was imbued with 

 the existing opinions, announced the discovery to the 

 Academy, but opposed it also, and gave the entire 

 weight of his authority in support of a slightly modified 

 version of MarsigrPs doctrine. Being desirous, how- 

 ever, of sparing one whom he esteemed, the annoyance 

 of such a sudden rejection, he refrained from mention- 

 ing Peysonnel's name.* The latter, certain of the 

 accuracy of his observations, appealed to men of science 

 in other countries, and published his researches in the 

 "Philosophical Transactions " f of the Royal Society 

 of London. Some years afterwards, Trembley, the 

 fellow-countryman of Bonnet, re-discovered, in Hol- 

 land, the hydra, — which had already been met by 

 Leuwenhoek — examined this fresh-water polyp, and 

 announced those discoveries which have immortalized 

 him; Bernard de Jussieu and Gruettard having been 

 sent by the Academy to investigate the sea-shore 

 animals, and having carefully studied this portion of 

 the marine world, confirmed all Peysonnel's state- 

 ments. Reaumur bowed to the evidence of these wit- 

 nesses, and with a greatness of mind and generosity 

 which cannot be too highly praised, he himself pro- 

 claimed his past error, and the immense importance 

 of the discovery made by him whom he had opposed, 

 thirteen years before. J 



One of those accidents which often happen for those 



''- This essay of Beaumur's was reprinted in the " Memoires de 

 l'Academie des Sciences," 1727. 



r " Philosophical Transactions," vol. xlvii. This work was partly 

 reprinted in London, in 1756, when the accuracy of his views had 

 been demonstrated. 



X " Memoires pour servir a l'Histoire des Insectes," preface to 

 the sixth volume, 1742. 



