198 Mr. Sneyd, on the Conversion, &c. 
structure exactly, but is in great part separated from the flesh, 
though both of them are now composed of the same fat mat- 
ter. This substance resembles spermaceti in its consistence 
between the teeth, but has neither taste nor smell ; it melts in 
a small heat, and when congealed again, becomes more solid, 
and looks like wax ; in a greater heat it burns, and emits a 
strong animal smell. As I never heard or perceived that the 
water in which this bird lay has any particular property, I am 
inclined to think that it has undergone this singular change 
while buried in the mud, and that the brook had afterwards 
washed it up, and carried it into this pool. 
I am sorry that the specimen and my account of this singular 
metamorphosis are so imperfect. The analogy which the case 
bears to the change of human bodies, observed by M. Four- 
croy * in the Cemetery des Innocents, is my chief reason for of- 
fering them to you ; and if they should be deemed worthy of 
the notice of the illustrious Society over which you preside, 
you are at liberty to present them. 
I am very respectfully, &c. 
THO. SNEYD. 
Belmont, near Leek, Staffordshire, 
March 16 th, 1792. 
* Annates de Chimie, Tom. V. p. 154. 
