C 45» ] 
Amongft numberlefs Inquirers, whom the Opinion, 
that every Seed includes a real Plant, has fet at work 
to open all Kinds of Seeds, and try by Glaffes to find 
evident Proofs thereof, I have not been the leaft 
induftrious : But after repeated Experiments^ in every 
Manner I could think of^ and with the utmoft Nicety 
in my Power, I began to defpair of ever attaining an 
ocular Demonftration of it. If by moiftening the 
Seed it began to vegetate, I could indeed difcern the 
feminal Leaves^ and the Germen or Budy whence the 
future Plant fhould arife; but was able to go no 
further, unlefs I waited till the Moifture gradually 
extending its Veffels made the little Root fhoot 
down, the Stalk rife up, and the minute Leaves 
expand, and bring themfelves to View. This, how- 
ever, was not the Thing 1 fought for : But, fome 
Days ago, mere Accident, when I thought nothing 
about it, favoured me with a Difcovery I had fo often, 
fearched after to no purpofe. 
Endeavouring with a fine Lancet to diffed a Seed 
of the Gramen tremulumy (a Seed whereof is placed 
in the Hole, marked Fig. i. of the Ivory Slider here- 
with prefented, and as it appears in Tab. lI. Fig. 2. pre- 
fixed to this Tranfa&ion) with Intention to examine the 
feveral Parts of it with a Microfcope, imagining I might 
find fomewhat curious in the Contexture of its Husk, 
the Edges of which I obferved to be tranfparent, I 
opened it the long Way exadly in the Middle, and 
took notice of fomething exceeding fmall between 
the Two Sides, which I had feparated. I ftuck the 
Point of the Lancet into it, with no other Defign 
than to take it up, and place it in the Microfcope to 
fee what it might be 5 which 1 had no fooner done, 
than. 
