454 



Microscopical Essays. 



C H A P. VIII. 



Of the Animalcula Infusoria, 



U R knowledge of the microfcopic world is at prefent very 

 contracted, but we know enough to give us high concep- 

 tions of it's concealed wonders, and to fill us with profound 

 aftonifhment at the infinite variety of forms that are made recipi- 

 ent of life, A few of the inhabitants of this world have been 

 difcovered. The figure and apparent habits of life of thefe, 

 referable fo little thofe with which we are more acquainted, that 

 it is often difficult to find terms to exprefs what is prefented to 

 the eye. It is highly probable that there are many gradations of 

 exiflence far below the minuted of thofe which we cbferve with 

 the microfcope ; and though by this we are enabled to difcover 

 myriads of different creatures roving in the leaf! drop of water, as 

 if it were a fea, yet it is not unreafonable to fuppofe that HE who 

 has filled the immenfity of extent with funs and worlds, has peo- 

 pled every particle of fluids with more minute beings than any 

 apparatus of ours can perceive, agreeable to the fublime ideas of 

 the poet : 



Gradual 



