Microscopical Essays, 425 



a-eafoning applies equally to explain the formation of fo many 

 heads to a polype, as conftitute it a real hydra. 



A new polype is formed out of fmall portions, or fragments, 

 in a very different manner, the operations in nature being always 

 varied, according as the circumftances differ ; each fragment is 

 puffed up, the fkin feparated, and an empty fpace is formed 

 within it ; this part is to become the ftomach of the rifing polype,, 

 which foon fends forth arms, and is formed to the perfection 

 proper to it's kind. We learn from this inftance, that the fkin of 

 the polype is not fo fimple as was at firft imagined ; for we find 

 it dividing itfelf into two membranes, and forming thereby a 

 cavity fit to perform all the functions of a ftomach ; but why 

 thefe membranes are feparated in the fmall portions, and not in 

 the larger, we cannot tell ; but though we are ignorant of this, 

 and many more circumftances relative to the re-production of thefe 

 little animals, yet the foregoing facts enable us to underftand 

 better the nature of the exiftence of thofe polypes which have 

 been turned infide out 



For as that part which formed the interior fkin of the ftomach* 

 in the little fragments before-mentioned, became the exterior part 

 of the animal, the infide of the polype is confequently fo fimilar 

 to the exterior fkin, that one may be fubftituted for the other, 

 without injuring the vital functions ; from hence we might, in 

 fome meafure, have inferred the poffibility of the polypes living 

 after it has been turned infide out, independent of the fa6l itfelf. 



The vifcera of the animal are fituated in the thicknefs of the 

 ikin, and abforbing pores are placed both on the infide and out- 



3F fide # 



