348 
Goethe's essay on the metamorphosis of plants. 
ment, these leaves (sepals) would have remained separate, and have continued in their 
original shape. Therefore nature does not produce a new organ in the calyx, but merely 
combines and modifies those organs which we have known as leaves, and thereby approaches 
one step nearer to the great end of existence. 
V. Formation of the Corolla. 
39. We have seen that the calyx is developed by rarified sap, which by-and-by is 
produced in the plant, and that the calyx now in its turn becomes an organ for a still 
greater purification. This will become credible if we only consider its action as merely 
mechanical. For how very fine and fit for the most delicate filtration ought these vessels 
to become, w4iich, as explained above, are contracted and drawn together almost to the 
highest degree possible. 
40. The transition of the calyx into the corolla we may observe in more than one case, 
for though in general the colour of the calyx remains green, like the leaves, still it often 
changes colour in some parts, either at the points, margin, back, or inside, the outside still 
retaining the green colour ; and we find this coloration always combined with a certain 
degree of refinement. In this manner an ambiguous calyx is often formed, which might 
with the same right be taken for a corolla. 
41. After having observed that upwards from the Cotyledons a great expansion and 
development of the leaves takes place, chiefly at their circumference, and from thence to 
the calyx, a contraction of the leaves, we may now observe another expansion in the formation 
of the corolla. The leaves of the corolla (petals) are generally much larger than those of 
the calyx ("sepals), and it may be shown that, as the organs in the calyx become contracted, 
they will expand in the corolla, refined to a great degree by the influence of purer sap, 
filtered by the calyx, as new and quite different organs. Their tender organisation, their 
colour and odour, would render their origin quite indiscernible, if we could not watch and 
surprise nature in several extraordinary cases. 
42. So we find sometimes inside of the calyx of the Pink a second calyx, partly green, 
indicating the tendence to a monosepalous and partite calyx, partly lacerated, and at its 
points and margin bearing the rudiments of delicate and coloured petals, thus in this 
instance clearly showing the affinity of calyx and corolla. 
43. The affinity of the corolla with the leaves shows itself in several ways ; for the 
leaves of several plants become more or less coloured long before they approach to the 
state of inflorescence ; others become completely coloured near the flowers. 
44. Sometimes nature seems to omit the cate only forming the corolla, and in this 
instance we have likewise the opportunity to observe the transmutation of leaves to petals. 
So we find sometimes a Tulip-leaf become a petal of perfect shape and colour. It is still 
more curious, if, as it sometimes happens, such a leaf appears half green, connected with 
and belonging to the stalk, at the same time that the other half is coloured and raised with 
the corolla (Perianthium), so that the leaf is torn in two parts. 
45. It is a very probable opinion, according to which the colour and odour of the petals 
is accounted for by the presence of the male seed (pollen) in the flower. This seed, 
contained in the petals, is probably not yet elaborated enough, but combined and diluted 
with other saps ; and the beautiful shades of colour lead us to think that the matter 
contained in the petals has attained a great degree of purity, but not the greatest, in which 
case they would appear white and colourless. 
VI. Formation of the Stamens. 
46. This will become still more probable, if we consider the great affinity of petals 
with stamens. If the affinity of all the other parts among each other was equally striking, 
so generally observed, and placed beyond all doubts, this present essay would then appear 
quite unnecessary. 
47. In some cases nature shows us this transition quite regularly, as, for example, in 
the Canna, and several other plants of this family. A genuine and little changed petal con- 
tracts at its upper part, where it bears an anther, and forms in this instance a true filament. 
