CHAP. I.
_Of the APPLE; and of the LIMON, and CUCUMER, the_ Fruits _of_
Plants _vulgarly called POMIFEROUS._
THE _Description_ and _Use_ of _Leaves_ and _Flowers_, together with
the _Figures_ thereto belonging, were presented to this _Honourable
Society_, the last year. I shall conclude this Subject with _Fruits_
and _Seeds_; beginning with _Fruits_, which will take up the present
Discourse.
2. §. And First, I shall describe the Compounding _Parts_ of some, more
generally known. Which having done, I shall next observe the _Uses_ of
the same; either for the _Fruit_ it self, or for the _Seed_. Some of
the _Descriptions_, the Reader may be pleased to compare with those in
the _First_ =Book=. ♦ _Ch. 6._ ♦ I begin with the _Apple_; to which I
shall subjoyn the _Limon_, and _Cucumer_, commonly reduced to the _Pome
Kind_.
3. §. AN APPLE, besides the _Skin_, consisteth of a _Parenchyma_,
_Vessels_, and _Coar_. The _Parenchyma_ or _Pulp_, is the same with
that of the _Barque_ of the _Tree_. As is apparent, not only from the
visible continuation thereof from the one, through the _Stalk_, into
the other: but also from the Structure common to them both; being
both composed of _Bladders_. In which, notwithstanding, there is this
difference, That whereas in the _Barque_, they are _spherical_, and
very small, most of them, through a good _Glass_, not exceeding 1/16ᵗʰ
of an Inch in _Diametre_, and some of them, less: here, they are oblong
and very large, most of them about ⅓ᵈ of an Inch in Length, or more,
according to the largeness and tenderness of the _Fruit_; ♦ _Tab. 65._
♦ being all uniformly tenter’d or stretched out, by the _arching_ of
the _Vessels_, from the _Coar_ towards the Circumference of the _Apple_.
4. §. The _Vessels_, as in the other _Parts_ of a _Plant_, are
_Succiferous_, and for _Aer_. Both the _Branches_ of the former,
and the single _Vessels_ of the latter, are extream small. They run
every where together, not collateral, as _Veins_ and _Arteries_ do in
_Animals_; ♦ _Tab. 65._ ♦ but the latter, sheathed in the former.
5. §. They are distributed into Twenty principal _Branches_. The Ten
outmost, a little within the _Apple_, are diverted from a straight
_Line_, into so many great _Arches_; from which a few small _Fibres_
are without any order dispearsed through the _Apple_. The Five
middlemost, and the Five inmost, run in a straight _Line_ as far as the
_Coar_, and are there diverted into as many lesser _Arches_; ♦ _Tab.
65._ ♦ the former, at the outer, and the latter at the iner _Angles_ of
the _Coar_. Upon these Five inmost hang all the _Seeds_.
6. §. These Ten, and the other Ten abovesaid, do all meet together
at the top of the _Apple_, where originally, they all ran into the
_Flower_. ♦ _Tab. 65._ ♦ But betwixt them, there are scarce any
intercurrent _Fibres_; so that they appear every where disjunct from
the bottom to the top of the _Apple_.
7. §. A LIMON hath a Threefold _Parenchyma_; which seem to be derived
one from another: the _Texture_, upon every derivation, being somewhat
altered, and so made more close and elaborate. ♦ _Tab. 66._ ♦ The
utmost, called the _Rind_, hath the most open, and the coursest
_Texture_; being composed of the largest _Threds_, and those _Threds_
woven up into larger _Bladders_. Those little _Cells_, which contein
the _Essential Oyl_ of the _Fruit_, and stand near the Surface of the
_Rind_, are some of the said _Bladders_ much more dilated.
8. §. From this utmost _Parenchyma_, Nine or Ten _Insertions_ or
_Lamels_ are produced, betwixt as many _Portions_ of the _Pulpy Part_,
towards the Centre, where they all unite into one _Body_, answerable to
the _Pith_ in the _Trunk_ or _Root_ of a _Tree_; and is a conspicuous
demonstration, of the communion betwixt the _Barque_ and the _Pith_;
which there, is much more obscure and difficult to observe. ♦ _Tab.
66._ ♦ At the bottom, but especially the top of the _Fruit_, the _Pith_
is so far expanded, as without the mediation of any _Lamels_, to be
joyned to the _Rind_.
9. §. Throughout this _Parenchyma_, the _Vessels_ are dispearsed. But
the chief _Branches_ stand on the iner Edge of the _Rind_, and the
outer Edge of the _Pith_, ♦ _Tab. 66._ ♦ just at the two extremities of
every _Lamel_. From those _Branches_ on the Edge of the _Pith_, other
little and very short ones shoot into the _Pulp_ of the _Fruit_, upon
which the _Seeds_ are appendant. In the Centre of the _Pith_, are Eight
or Nine, in a _Ring_, which run through the _Fruit_ up to the _Flower_.
10. §. Between the _Rind_ and the _Pith_ and those several _Lamels_,
which joyn them together, stands the second Sort of _Parenchyma_,
different from the former, in being somewhat closer, and finer wrought
Divided, by the _Lamels_, into several distinct Bodies; every one of
them a great and entire _Bag_.
11. §. Within every great _Bag_, is conteined a Third _Parenchyma_,
which is also a Cluster of other little _Bags_, about the bigness of
an _Oate_, all disjoyned one from another, and having their distinct
_Stalks_, ♦ _Tab. 66._ ♦ of several _Lengths_, by which they are
all fastned to the utmost Side of the great _Bag_, wherein they are
conteined. Within each of these lesser _Bags_ are conteined many
hundreds of _Bladders_, consisting of most extream fine _Threds_ woven
up together into that _Figure_. Within these _Bladders_ lies the _Acid
Juyce_ of the _Limon_.
12. §. A CUCUMER, hath also a Threefold _Parenchyma_. The Utmost, is
derived, from the =Barque=. In this, being exposed for some time to
dry, and then cut transversly with a _Rasor_; not only the _Bladders_,
but also the _Threds_ whereof the _Bladders_ consist, through a good
_Microscope_, are apparent.
13. §. Throughout this _Parenchyma_ the _Sap-Vessels_ are dispersed;
near the Circumference, in Ten or Twelve very large _Branches_. ♦
_Tab. 66._ ♦ Each of these larger _Branches_, embosoms another of
_Aer-Vessels_ in its Centre. Adjacent to the Midle _Parenchyma_, they
stand in _Clustres_ of much smaller _Branches_, but more numerous.
14. §. Out of all these _Sap-Vessels_, issues a transparent and viscous
_Mucilage_; which being dryed, becomes as hard and tough as _Gum
Tragacanth_. Analogous to which, I suppose, is the truly purgative part
of _Elaterium_.
15. §. The Midle _Parenchyma_ is derived from the _Pith_; and divided
into Three _Colums_, standing triangularly, and having each of them
a _Triangular Figure_. ♦ _Tab. 66._ ♦ Within these _Colums_ stand a
distinct Sort of _Sap-Vessels_: from whence, several small and short
_Fibres_ shoot into the Inmost _Parenchyma_, whereupon the _Seeds_ do
hang. So that these _Columns_ are as it were the _Beds_ on which the
_Seeds_ grow. With each of the _Seed-Branchs_ or _Fibres_, goes some
part of the said _Parenchyma_ or _Colum_, out of which, the _Covers_ of
the _Seed_ are formed.
16. §. The Inmost _Parenchyma_ wherein the _Seeds_ lie, and which
answers to the _Pulp_ of a _Limon_, seems likewise to be derived from
the _Colums_, ♦ _Tab. 66._ ♦ that is, to be originally thence produced
upon the _Seed-Fibres_, and afterwards spread and augmented into a
_Pulp_. By Three _Insertions_ from the _Colums_, and as many from the
Utmost _Parenchyma_, and these re-inserted; it is divided into Six
_Triangular Bodies_; and every _Triangle_, into Three _Ovals_.
17. §. A near resemblance betwixt the _Garden_ and _Wild Cucumer_, with
respect to the Inward _Structure_, as well as the Outward _Figure_, may
be observed: ♦ _Tab. 66._ ♦ Both of them having a Threefold _Parenchyma_.
Yet with this difference, That the Three _White Triangular Bodies_ or
_Colums_ in the one, is answered by a _White Ring_ or _Tube_ in the
other.
CHAP. II.
_Of the PEAR and QUINCE._
A PEAR, besides the _Skin_, consisteth of a Twofold _Parenchyma_, of
_Vessels_, _Tartareous Knots_ or _Grains_, and a _Coar_. The _Skin_
is lined with a great number of the said _Tartareous Grains_, through
a _Glass_, about the bigness of small _Shot_: whereby it looks
withinside, like the _Skin_ of the _Scate_ and some other _Fishes_. ♦
_Tab. 67._ ♦ Besides those which grow to the _Skin_, there are also
many more standing near adjacent to it all round about the _Fruit_:
altogether about ⅓ᵈ of an Inch in thickness, through a _Microscope_;
as in a Slice of a _Pear_ cut transversly is apparent. Somewhat more
or less, as I take it, according to the Delicacy or Harshness of the
_Fruit_; as more in a _Burgamy_, or other soft and sweet _Pear_, than
in those which are called _Strangulatoria_. As all _Vinous Liquors_,
and those especially which are the most _Tartareous_, become more soft
and sweet, according as they cast off their _Tartar_, in a greater
quantity, upon the Sides of the _Vessel_.
2. §. The Outer _Parenchyma_, is of the same Original, and general
Structure, as in an _Apple_. But the _Bladders_, answerable to the
Shape of this _Fruit_, not altogether so long, with respect to their
Bredth. ♦ _Tab. 67._ ♦ Throughout this _Parenchyma_, are also dispersed
many small _Tartareous Grains_; most of them somewhat round, as those
next the _Skin_, and of a like _Size_; but nothing near so numerous.
3. §. The _Bladders_ here, have also a different _Position_ from that
they have in an _Apple_: there, they are all stretched out, as to have
respect to one common Centre, which is that of the _Apple_ it self. But
here, they every where bear a respect to the said _Tartareous Grains_,
♦ _Tab. 67._ ♦ every _Grain_ being the Centre of a certain Number of
_Bladders_; like a _Star_, in the midle of its _Vortex_. Whereby, so
many of the _Tartareous parts_ of the _Sap_, as cannot well be thrown
off upon the _Skin_, are more commodiously discharged, upon every
little _Knot_ or _Grain_, nearer hand.
4. §. Throughout this _Parenchyma_, the _Vessels_ likewise are
dispersed. Of the Two general Kinds, for _Sap_, and for _Aer_. The
_Aer-Vessels_, are here extream small, as well as in an _Apple_; yet
one degree, larger. They are both together distributed into Fifteen
principal _Branches_. ♦ _Tab. 67._ ♦ The Five Utmost make as many
_Arckes_, but commonly not near so deep as in an _Apple_. From these,
some small _Fibres_, yet a little more numerously than in an _Apple_,
are dispersed throughout the _Parenchyma_. The Ten Inmost run along to
the _Seed_, and from thence, with the other Five, to the _Flower_.
5. §. Next the _Coar_, stands the Inner _Parenchyma_, in divers
respects different from the Outer. The _Bladders_ of the latter,
as hath been said, large and long; of the former, small and round,
answerable to those of the _Pith_, of which it seems to be derived.
Throughout that, the _Vessels_ and _Tartareous Grains_ are dispersed;
in this, there are neither. The _Effect_ whereof is, that is sweet,
this sower; ♦ _Tab. 67._ ♦ for which reason, I have taken leave to name
it, the _Acetary_.
6. §. Betwixt this and the outer _Parenchyma_, the said _Tartareous
Grains_ begin, first to stand nearer together, to grow biger, and
of a more unequal Surface; and by degrees, to unite into a _Body_,
in some _Pears_, ♦ _Tab. 67._ ♦ and especially towards the _Cork_,
almost as hard as a _Plum-Stone_; which I have thereupon, named the
_Calculary_. ♦ _B. 1. Ch. 6._ ♦ So that a _Pear_, is Natures _Preface_
or _Introduction_ to a _Plum_.
7. §. This _Tartareous Body_, and those small _Grains_ above said, I
have formerly supposed, ♦ _B. 1. Ch. 6._ ♦ to be precipitated out of
the _Sap_, by virtue of the _Vessels_. Which is not only argued from
their growing, where the _Vessels_, only in the outer _Parenchyma_: but
in that the very _Bounds_ or _Figure_ of the _Calculary_, is determined
by the _Situation_ of the chief of those _Vessels_; ♦ _Tab. 67._ ♦ as
in cuting a _Pear_ smoothly through the Centre and by the Length, is
apparent.
8. §. The _Coar_ as well as the _Acetary_, seems to be derived from the
_Pith_. And is therefore lesser here, than in an _Apple_, where the
whole _Pith_ of the _Stalk_, goes to the making of the _Coar_ only.
9. §. In most _Pears_, at the bottom of the _Coar_, and a little below
the Centre of the _Fruit_, there is a kind of small _Umbelical Knot_; ♦
_Tab. 67._ ♦ from whence is extended a straight _Chanel_ or _Ductus_,
which opens at the midle of the _Cork_ or _Stool_ of the _Flower_,
scarce wide enough to admit the smallest _Pin_. Made for the _Use_
hereafter mentioned.
10. §. A QUINCE, is nearly allyed to a _Pear_. The differences betwixt
them are these; In the _Quince_, the outer _Parenchyma_ is more close,
that is, the _Bladders_ are smaller. ♦ _Tab. 67._ ♦ The _Vessels_ more
numerous, and more deeply enarched; the _Calculary_ greater, and more
spread; according to the _Shape_ of the _Fruit_: but the _Acetary_,
less: The _Coar_ stands higher or nearer to the _Cork_; divided, not
into Five, but Four _Cells_. And the _Ductus_ from the bottom of the
_Coar_ to the top of the _Fruit_, much more open and observable.
CHAP. III.
_Of the PLUM, and some other_ Fruits _of the same Kindred._
A PLUM consisteth of a _Parenchyma_, the Two general Kinds of
_Vessels_, and a _Stone_. All which I have already described in the
_First_ =Book=. ♦ _Ch. 6._ ♦ I shall here add, and further clear some
things. And First, it is to be noted, That, in Proportion to the
_Bulk_ of the _Fruit_, there are more _Vessels_ in a _Plum_, than in
an _Apple_, _Pear_, or _Quince_. As also, That in _Plums_, all the
_Vessels_ are braced together into one Uniform Piece of _Net-Work_,
every where terminating at an equal distance from the _Circumference_,
_sc._ ⅛ᵗʰ of an Inch or thereabout. ♦ _Tab. 68._ ♦ And as for the
_Bore_ of the _Aer-Vessels_, although the _Glass_ I used, when I
examined this _Fruit_, would not reach it; yet is it to be presumed,
that they bear a just Proportion to those in the _Trunk_ of the same
_Tree_; and that therefore they are here larger, than in an _Apple_ or
_Pear_. The _Skin_ likewise of a _Plum_, is more _fibrous_, _thick_,
and _tough_, than in those _Fruits_. The Ends of these Diversities, we
shall presently speak of.
2. §. Of the _Stone_, amongst other particulars wherein the contrivance
of Nature is very admirable, I have formerly shewed, ♦ _B. 1. Ch. 6._
♦ That it is composed of Two or rather Three distinct _Bodies_. One
of them, the _Lining_; which answers to the _Coar_ in a _Pear_. And
is originated from the _Parenchyma_, which the _Seed-Branch_ brings
along with it, through the _Chanel_ in the _Side_, and at last into the
_Hollow_, of the _Stone_; and is there spread all over it: as when a
small _Glass-Pipe_, is blown and expanded into a _Bubble_. ♦ _Tab. 68._
♦if a _Bladder_, being stretch-out, and put through the _Neck_ of a
_Bottle_; were then blown up, so as to be every where contiguous to the
_Sides_, and become, as it were, the _Lining_ of the _Bottle_.
3. §. The _Foundation_ or _Ground_ of the Outer and more Bulky _Part_
of the _Stone_, is the Iner _Part_ of the _Parenchyma_; and answers
to the _Acetary_ in a _Pear_. ♦ _Tab. 68._ ♦ As the _Fruit_ grows,
the _Tartareous Parts_ of the _Sap_, being continually precipitated
upon this _Parenchyma_, it is hereby petrify’d. As will best be seen,
by comparing the several _Ages_ of the same _Fruit_ together. And in
some _Stones_; on the Surface whereof, some of the said _Tartareous
Parts_ appear in distinct _Grains_. ♦ _Tab. 68._ ♦ So that whereas
in a _Pear_, the _Calculary_ and the _Acetary_ are distinct, here in
a _Plum_, they are thrown one into the other. Or, as some _Mineral
Waters_ only make a Crust about a Stick or other Bodies immersed in
them; but others, by sinking into these Bodies, do hereby petrify
them: So in a _Pear_, the _Tartareous Parts_ of the _Sap_, only make
a _Crust_ about the _Acetary_; but in a _Plum_, they sink into the
Body thereof, or that _Part_ of the _Parenchyma_, which stands in the
place of it, whereby it is converted into a _Stone_. The _Figures_ of
_Stones_ shall hereafter be spoken of, when I come in the next =Part=,
to the _Covers_ of the _Seed_.
4. §. AN APRECOCK is of the _Plum-Kind_. But some things are herein
better observed. As first, the _Position_ of the _Bladders_ of the
_Parenchyma_. For the _Tartareous Parts_ of the _Sap_ not being here
dispersed, in little _Grains_, throughout the _Fruit_, as in a _Pear_;
but all thrown off into the _Stone_: the _Bladders_ therefore are so
disposed, as not to have respect to several _Centres_, as in a _Pear_;
♦ _Tab. 68._ ♦ but only the _Stone_, to which they all do most exactly
radiate; thereto conveying the _feculent Sap_, in so many little
_Streams_. This is best seen, when the _Fruit_ is full ripe.
5. §. In this _Fruit_, while it is young, the gradual transmutation
of the Inner _Part_ of the _Parenchyma_ into a _Stone_, is also
more apparent. And so are the Three _Coats_, which serve for the
_Generation_ of the _Seed_; being now all very distinct; and
remarkable, not only for their _Bulk_; but also, the _Analogy_ which
they bear to the Three _Membranes_ in many _Viviparous Animals_.
Whereof I shall give a more particular _Description_, when I come, in
the following =Part=, to the _Covers_ of the _Seed_.
6. §. A PEACH hath a much bigger Stone, than either a _Plum_, or an
_Aprecock_: and hath therefore, when full ripe, and especially in
hot Countries, a more desecated or better fined _Juyce_. For the
reason why the _Stone_ is so great, is because the _Vessels_ run so
very numerously through the Body of it; and so cause a more copious
precipitation of the _Lees_ of the _Sap_ thereinto.
7. §. A CHERRY is likewise near related to a _Plum_. But the
_Bracement_ or _Reticulation_ of the _Vessels_, is here carried out
further, ♦ _Tab. 69._ ♦ so as to be all round about contiguous to the
_Skin_. And as the _Aer-Vessels_ in the _Branch_ of a _Cherry-Tree_,
are larger than those of an _Apple-Branch_, but less than those of a
_Plum-Branch_; so may they be presumed, to bear the same Proportion
here in the _Fruit_.
8. §. A WALNUT, is a _Nuciprune_; or betwixt a _Plum_ and a _Nut_, as
a _Bat_ is betwixt a _Beast_ and a _Bird_. For the _Rind_, answers
to the _Pulp_; and the _Shell_, as the _Stone_, is also lined. But
the _Seed-Vessels_, which in a _Plum_ run through a _Chanel_ made on
purpose in the _Stone_; do here enter, as in a _Nut_, at the _Centre_
of the _Shell_. By which means, they are invested with a more fair
_Parenchyma_; which Nature hath provided, as her _Cloth_, for the
making of the _Coats_ wide enough for so vast a _Kernel_.
CHAP. IV.
_Of the GRAPE, and HAZEL-NUT; with some
other_ Fruits, _analogous to each of them._
A GRAPE, is a _Plum_ with two _Stones_; for their thickness, as hard
as any other. ♦ _Tab. 69._ ♦ The _Distribution_ of the _Vessels_ is
also somewhat different. For the principal _Fibres_ running up directly
betwixt the _Stones_; and the smaller, making only one single _Net_,
near the Circumference; they all meet together at the _Top_ of the
_Grape_. It is also to be noted, That many _Lignous Fibres_ are visibly
mixed with the _Skin_ it self: whereby it becomes very thick and tough.
And as the _Aer-Vessels_ in the _Trunk_ of a _Vine_, are greater than
in that of an _Apple_, _Pear_, or _Plum_: So is it to be presumed, that
in a _Grape_, they are greater than in the _Fruits_ of those _Trees_.
2. §. The _Parenchyma_ or _Pulp_ of a _Grape_, seems to be derived,
not from the _Barque_, as in an _Apple_; nor partly from the _Barque_,
and partly from the _Pith_, as in a _Goosberry_; but wholly from the
_Pith_; at least, as far as the _Reticulation_ of the _Fibres_; and the
_Skin_ only from the _Barque_; whereby the _Pulp_ becomes so tender and
delicate a _Meat_.
3. §. A GOOSBERRY, hath a Threefold _Parenchyma_. The Utmost is derived
from the _Barque_; of a _Greener Colour_, and very _Sappy_. The
midlemost, from the _Pith_; somewhat _white_, and more _dry_, as the
_Diametral Insertions_ in some _Roots_. In both of them, the _Bladders_
are very conspicuous, above what they are in any _Fruit_, I at present
think of; so as to be visible to a good Eye without a _Glass_. ♦ _Tab.
69._ ♦
4. §. Betwixt these Two _Parenchymas_, do run most of the principal
_Fibres_, or _Vascular Threds_. ♦ _Tab. 69._ ♦ From which several
smaller ones are branched into the Inmost _Parenchyma_; upon which, the
_Seeds_ do hang.
5. §. Each of these smaller _Branches_ is invested with some part of
the midle or white _Parenchyma_. Serving partly to make the _Covers_
of the _Seed_; and partly, the _Pulp_, that is, the Inmost and finest
_Parenchyma_ of the _Berry_, in which the _Seed_ lies.
6. §. A _White_ CORIN, without taking off the _Skin_, sheweth not
unpleasantly how the _Seeds_ are fastned. For as the _Trunk_ of the
_Tree_ continues not to any considerable Length, entire, as in a
_Plum_, but is presently divided into several _Boughs_; nor are the
Edges of the _Leaf_ entire, as also in a _Plum_, but slit into several
_Lobes_; and the _Fruit_, into a great many _Corins_ in a _Bunch_: So
again, the _Seeds_ do hang upon the _Fibres_, like Two other _Bunches_,
in every _Corin_. As by _Refraction_, Objects of all _Sizes_ are
represented on the _Walls_ of the _Eye_. The _Operations_ of _Nature_
being every where Uniform: and sometimes the same in small, transcribed
from a greater _Copy_.
7. §. A NUT, is a _Plum_ inverted, or turned inside outward. For
the _Shell_, standing naked, includes the _Parenchyma_: the bearded
_Cap_, not precisely answering to _that_, but to the _Empalement_ of
the _Flower_; ♦ _Tab. 69._ ♦ which likewise in many other _Plants_,
out-lives the _Foliature_ and Embosomes the _Uterus_ of the _Seed_.
And whereas the _Stone_ of a _Plum_ is not Faced, but Lined with a
_Parenchyma_ derived at second hand from the _Pith_: The _Shell_ of a
_Nut_ is not Lined, but Faced with the iner _Skin_ of the _Cap_.
8. §. AN AKERN, is the _Nut_ of an _Oak_. Yet with this difference;
That besides the _Cup_, it stands in, it hath only a _Leathern_ or
_Parchment Cover_ instead of a _Shell_. From whence it come to pass,
that whereas the _Kernel_ of a _Nut_ is sweet; that of an _Akern_, is
of a very rough _Tast_: the _Austere Parts_ of the _Sap_, which in
a _Nut_ are drained off into the _Shell_, being here imbibed by the
_Kernel_ it self.
CHAP. V.
_Of the SEED-CASE or MEMBRANEOUS
UTERUS._
TO the forementioned _Fruits_, I shall subjoyne, in some Examples, the
_Description_ of the _Seed-Case_, which is analogous to the _Fruit_.
For the _Fruit_, strictly so called, is, _A Fleshy Uterus, which grows
more moist and Pulpy, as the Seed ripens_. But the _Seed-Case_, whether
it be called a _Cod_, _Pod_, or by any other name, is, _A Membraneous
Uterus, which as the Seed ripens, still grows the more dry and hard_:
as in most _Plants_.
2. §. THE SEED-CASE, is either originally open; Or only when the _Seed_
is ripe; Or never opens at all, till the _Seed_ be sown. Of the first
Sort, is that of _Luteola_; as also of _Clary_, _Sage_, _Hysop_, and
the like: wherein one and the same _Part_, is both the _Empalement_
of the _Flower_, and when that is gone, survives as the _Case_ of the
_Seed_.
3. §. Of the Last, is that of _Myagrum Monspermon_, _Lithosperme_, all
the _Stones_ of _Fruits_, with divers others. And some _Cases_, which
are soft, as, I think, that of _Garden Radish_. The former, by cleaving
in some _part_ or other; these only by roting under Ground.
4. §. THAT of _Garden Radish_, is a Light and Spongy or Pithy _Body_;
originally, every where entire. But, as it ripens, breaks within, into
several White and Dry _Membranes_ round about the _Seed_. ♦ _Tab. 70._
♦ By the Length and about ⅛ᵗʰ of an Inch distant from the _Sides_ of
the _Case_, do run a pair of little _Vascular Ropes_. Some smaller
_Fibres_ are from these transmitted to the _Sides_ of the _Case_;
by which they are kept tite and steady. Upon divers others produced
towards the _Centre_, hang the _Seeds_, like Two _Ropes_ of _Onions_.
5. §. Of those which open so soon as the _Seed_ is ripe; some are made
to open at the _Top_, as _Popy Heads_; Some on the _Side_, as most
_Cods_; and some at the _Bottom_, as that of _Coded Arsmart_.
6. §. THE _Popy-Head_, is a little _Dove Coat_; divided by Eight or Ten
_Partitions_, into so many _Stalls_. On both _Sides_ the _Partitions_,
hangs a most numerous _Brood_ of _Seeds_. ♦ _Tab. 70._ ♦ The
_Partitions_ and _Sides_ of the _Head_, are made of the _Barque_, and
Lined with the _Pith_. While young, they are very _thick_ and _spongy_;
and together with the _Seeds_, do then fill all up. The _Head_ is then
also every where entire; but as it dries, it gradually opens at the
_Top_, into several _Windows_, one for every _Stall_: which are all
covered with a very fair _Canopy_. A _Fabrick_ designed for several
purposes, as shall hereafter be said.
7. §. Of those which open on the _Side_; some are made to open, only on
One _Side_; some, on both _Sides_; some, with Three _Sides_; some, with
more; and some horizontally or round about.
8. §. THE COD of _Garden Bean_ (and so the rest of the _Leguminous_
kind) opens on one _Side_. It hath a Twofold _Parenchyma_. The Utmost
derived from the _Barque_: in which stand all the _Vessels_, in several
_Parcels_; ♦ _Tab. 70._ ♦ one whereof, at the _Back_ of the _Cod_, is
much larger than the rest, shaped like a _Copula_ used in _Schemes_;
from whence shoot those lesser _Fibres_ upon which the _Beans_ do grow.
9. §. The Inner _Parenchyma_ is derived from the _Pith_. Upon its
Nativity, and for some time afterwards, entire and wholly composed
of _Bladders_, as the Outer. From the _Base_ of the _Cod_ they are
gradually enlarged, so as to compose this _Parenchyma_ into a very soft
and delicate _Sponge_. ♦ _Tab. 70._ ♦ In which (the _Cod_ being well
grown) the very _Threds_ whereof the _Bladders_ were woven, are many of
them so loose and ample, as easily to be drawn out (as in the unroaving
of _Knit-work_) to a considerable Length, fairly visible through an
ordinary _Glass_.
♦ _B. 2. P. 1. Ch. 5._ & _B. 3. P. 1. Ch. 4._ ♦ 10. §. This may further
confirm all that I have formerly said of the _Fibrous Texture_ of the
_Pith_, and of all the other _Parenchymous Parts_ of _Plants_.
11. §. THE _Seed-Case_ of _Medica_, is a _Cod_ wound up: in the
_Echinata_, _Spirally_; in the _Tornata_, by an _Helix_. Not finished
all together; but, upon the fall of the _Flower_, beginning to wind,
continues its _Circles_, till it be come to its full _Growth_.
12. §. THE _Seed-Case_ of _Yellow Henbean_ opens on both _Sides_. ♦
_Tab. 70._ ♦ On the _Top_, is erected a _Colum_, about ½ an Inch long;
which, as the _Case_ swells, grows less, and at last falls off. On the
_Sides_ of the _Uterus_ or _Case_, Two _Vascular Fibres_ run oppositely
from the bottom to the top, and so into the _Colum_. Along the _Tract_
of these _Fibres_, the _Case_, as it ages, gradually cleaves on both
_Sides_ asunder.
13. §. The _Case_ is lined with a dry and thin _Parchment_, as
smooth as _Glass_. ♦ _Tab. 70._ ♦ In the _Centre_ of the _Case_,
stands a great _Parenchymous Boss_, which is, as it were, the _Bed_
or _Placentula_ of the _Seeds_; which lie all over it, as in a
_Strawberry_. And so in many other _Plants_. Throughout this _Bed_, the
_Vessels_ for the _Generation_ and _Nourishment_ of the _Seeds_, are
distributed; one very small _Fibre_, shooting, from the direct ones,
obliquely into each _Seed_.
14. §. THE _Seed-Case_ of _Tulip_, opens with Three _Sides_; being,
when young, a _Prism_ or long _Triangle_. From the midle of each
_Side_, a _Partition_ or _Boord_ is produced; all three meeting in
the _Centre_ of the _Case_; ♦ _Tab. 71._ ♦ and so parting it into Six
_Stalls_ for the _Seed_. The insides hereof, are, lined with a thin
smooth and glossy _Parchment_, like that in _Hen-bean_; derived from
the _Pith_; as the outside, from the _Barque_: and so in many other
_Seed-Cases_.
15. §. The _Vessels_, after they rise above the _Stalk_, are disposed
with great _artifice_. For first, they are divided into Three principal
_Branches_, which run a long the Three _Angles_ of the _Case_; ♦ _Tab.
71._ ♦ where the Three _Sides_, as it ages, gradually cleave asunder.
From these chief _Branches_, at the Three _Angles_, divers lesser ones
run horizontally, and meet at the midle of each _Side_. From whence
again, many yet smaller ones are produced through the bredth of each
_Partition_ to their Edges in the _Centre_ of the _Case_. Where, once
more, they are distributed into very fine and short _Threds_, whereupon
hang the _Seeds_.
16. §. THE _Seed-Case_ of _Stramonium_ or _Thorn Apple_, is divided
into Four _Closets_: Not open one into another, as in _Poppy_, _Tulip_,
&c. but so many distinct _Inclosures_. ♦ _Tab. 71._ ♦ In the midst of
each _Closet_ stands a _Colum_, joyned to the _Side_ of the _Closet_ by
a _Wall_ or _Lamine_. Through the Length of the _Colums_ run several
greater and lesser _Branches_ of _Vessels_, from whence others are
obliquely produced, upon which the _Seeds_ grow.
17. §. THE _Seed-Case_ of _Anagallis_ or _Pimpernel_, is a little
_Globe_; which opens not by its _Meridian_ or _Vertically_, as do
the former; but by its _Horizon_. ♦ _Tab. 71._ ♦ For divers very
small _Fibres_, being produced from the _Stalk_ to the midle of the
_Case_; do there fetch a _Circle_, and so divide it exactly into Two
_Hemispheres_: the Uppermost of which, when the _Seeds_ are ripe,
falleth off; and so the wind sowes them.
18. §. THE _Seed-Case_ of _Coded Arsmart_, neither opens at the _Top_,
nor on the _Sides_, as do all the former; but at the _Bottom_. It is
composed of Four _Sides_: the Outer Part of which, is softer and more
_succulent_; ♦ _Tab. 71._ ♦ the Inner a tite and strong _Membrane_. In
the _Centre_ of the _Case_, is erected a _Pole_ or _Colum_ upon which
the _Seeds_ do all hang very loosely.
19. §. From this _Mechanism_, the manner of that violent and surprising
_Ejaculation_ of the _Seeds_, is intelligible. Which is not a motion
originally in the _Seeds_ themselves; but contrived by the _Structure_
of the _Case_. For the _Seeds_ hanging very loose, and not on the
_Sides_ of the _Case_, as sometimes, but on the _Pole_, in the
_Centre_, with their thicker end downward, they stand ready for a
discharge: and the _Sides_ of the _Case_ being lined with a strong and
Tensed _Membrane_, they hereby perform the office of so many little
_Bows_: which, remaining fast at the _Top_, and (contrary to what we
see in other _Plants_) opening or being _lett off_ at the _Bottom_,
forceably curle upward, and so drive all the _Seeds_ before them.
CHAP. VI.
_Of the USE of the_ Parts _to the_ Fruit.
IN the forgoing _Descriptions_, I have already mention’d the _Use_ of
the _Parts_ in some particulars. I shall now a little further explain
the manner of their service, both to the _Fruit_, and to the _Seed_.
2. §. And first, the _Vessels_ serve for the _Figuration_ of the
_Fruit_. So in an _Apple_, the Ten great and utmost _Branches_ serve
not only to nourish and feed it; but also, by the _Arched Lines_ they
draw, to direct and govern the _Growth_ thereof into an orbicular
_Figure_. The _Dilatation_ of these _Vessels_, not being hindred
by any _Braces_ or _Conjunction_ with the _Interior_ ones. By the
_Slenderness_ of the _Aer-Vessels_, as in the _Root_, so here in the
_Fruit_, much promoted. And by their _Saline Principle_, first begun.
3. §. The Five midlemost and the Five Inmost serve together, to
figure the _Coar_; the former bounding the Outer, the Latter, the
Iner _Angles_. For were they only Five, or were all Ten in the same
_Circle_, they would only make a round _Cavity_ like that of a hollow
_Pith_. Hence it is that _Apples_, in which some small _Threds_ of the
_Vessels_ strike out into the _Circumference_, are very Uneven with
divers _Knobs_ and _Ridges_. But _Plums_, _Cherries_, &c. where the
_Vessels_ all terminate at an Equal distance from the _Skin_, are Even
all round about.
4. §. The _Bulk_ of the _Fruit_ dependeth also on the _Braces_ of the
_Vessels_. For in _Plums_ and _Cherries_, they are more numerous; but
in _Apples_ and _Pears_ they are very loose one from another, and so
have liberty left them to spread abroad.
5. §. As also on their _Size_; that is, on the _Size_ of the
_Aer-Vessels_. Which, the less they are themselves, they serve to make
a bigger _Fruit_. As the less they are in any _Root_, they serve to
make it the more ample. For the less they are, the more pliable to the
_Attraction_ of the _Aer_: and in their _Growth_ must make so many more
spiral _Rings_: by both which means, they make the greater _Arches_.
And therefore a _Pear_ is commonly a smaller _Fruit_ than an _Apple_;
a _Plum_ than a _Pear_; and a _Grape_, than a _Plum_; in all which the
_Aer-Vessels_ are still greater and greater.
6. §. From the same Cause, it is also most agreeable, That the _Fruit_
should not come before the _Leaves_ or _Flower_, but last of all.
For the _Aer-Vessels_, as hath been often noted, are not exactly
_Cylindrick_, but tapered; that is, not only the _Fibres_ consisting
of divers of these _Vessels_, but the _Vessels_ themselves, as they
ascend into the _Trunck_, _Branches_, _Leaves_, _Flower_, and _Fruit_,
grow still more and more slender. So that the smallest coming last,
and being the most pliable; they are also best accommodated for the
_Expansion_ of the _Parenchyma_ into that we call the _Fruit_.
7. §. It is likewise a proper Question to be asked, How it comes to
pass, That some _Plants_ bear a _Fruit_, and not all? I answer, That as
the _Size_ of the _Aer-Vessels_ conduceth to the _Bulk_ of the _Fruit_,
and the Order of its Growth: So the _Number_ of them, to there being,
or not being, any _Fruit_ at all. For the _Fruit_, as we have already
defined it, is an _Uterus_, which grows moyster and softer, as the
_Seed_ ripens. The reason therefore, why the _Uterus_ in some _Plants_,
continues moist and soft after the _Seed_ is ripe; and in some, dries
up; is, Because in the former, there is a smaller, in the latter, a
greater _Quantity_ of the _Aer-Vessels_ in proportion to the other
_Parts_ of the _Uterus_, and so a greater quantity of _Aer_. Which as
in the _Pith_ of most _Plants_, so here, by degrees excludes the _Sap_,
or rendering it more evaporable, comes in the room of it; and so the
_Uterus_ is dryed up: that is, there is no _Fruit_ produced, but only a
_Seed-Case_.
8. §. From the _Size_, _Number_, and _Position_ of all the _Vessels_
in _Fruits_ a reason also may be given, for the diversity of their
_Tasts_. Some Instances have before been given; to which I shall add
one or two more. So the _Rind_ of an _Orange_, is bitter; the _Pulp_,
sower. Because the former is furnished with many _Lignous Vessels_,
the _Sulphureous_ or _Oyly Tincture_ whereof, being copiously mixed
with the _Acid_ of the _Parenchyma_, produce that _Tast_. Whereas the
_Pulp_, which is very sower, is void of all manner of _Vessels_. But
if the _Sap-Vessels_ are either less numerous or less _Sulphureous_;
they give so mild a _Tincture_ to the _Parenchyma_, as not to produce
a bitter, but a sweet or soft _Tast_; as in _Apples_, _Grapes_,
_Goosberries_, &c. And of a _Goosberry_, it is particularly to be
noted, that whereas, in a _Limon_, the _Pulp_ only is sower, as being
void of _Vessels_: here, on the contrary, the _Pulp_ only is sweet,
whereinto all the _Vessels_ strike, and the _Rind_ sower.
9. §. The diversities of the _Skin_ it self, have their _Use_. And
therefore, the more tender and delicate the _Fruit_ is; the _Skin_, on
the contrary, is thicker and more tough. So _Apples_ have a thicker
_Skin_, than _Pears_; _Plums_, than _Apples_; and _Grapes_ than
_Plums_; those having as it were, only a _Coat_ of _Kid_, but this of
good thick _Buff_. And therefore some _Fruits_, although tender, yet
either not having so rich a _Juyce_, or coming early, and so not being
exposed to excessive heats, have a very thin _Skin_, as _Mulberries_,
_Strawberries_, &c.
CHAP. VII.
_Of the USE of the_ Parts _to the_ Seed. _And the TIME, in
which the_ Uterus _or_ Fruit _and_ Seed-Case _are formed._
AND first, for example, in an _Apple_, the Five Inmost _Branches_, do
best serve for the _Generation_ of the _Seed_; these running into the
_Attire_ of the _Flower_, and so carrying off the most _Aerial Spirit_
from the _Seed_; ♦ _P. 2. Ch. 5. §. 5._ ♦ by which means, it becomes
a more compact and denser _Body_, than the _Fruit_, and so more
accommodate to the process of _Vegetation_; as hath formerly been
shewed.
2. §. The _Elongation_ likewise of the _Seed-Vessels_, in the _Fruit_
and _Case_, sometimes directly, as in _Plums_ and _Nuts_, and sometimes
by several _Ambages_ before they shoot into the _Seeds_, as in _Tulip_;
shewes a design for the highest refining and maturation of the _Seminal
Sap_.
3. §. Chiefly by means of the Inmost _Vessels_, is made that _Chanel_
in some _Pears_, and especially in _Quinces_. For these perishing with
the _Flower_, the circumjacent _Parenchyma_ shrinks up, leaving the
said _Chanel_ in the midst. Designed for an inlet to the _Aer_, for the
better drying of the _Seeds_; which here stand the more in need of it,
because encompassed with a _Mucilage_.
4. §. For the better drying of the _Seed_, and the disbursing or sowing
of it in due time, the opening of the _Case_ is, in the same manner,
also contrived: either at the _Top_, as in _Popy_; or on the _Sides_,
as in _Tulip_, _Pimpernel_; or at the _Bottom_, as in _Coded Arsmart_.
All which openings are effected by the running of the _Aer-Vessels_
along those places: for by drying the _Parenchyma_ next adjacent, they
cause it to chop and cleave asunder.
5. §. Of the _Seed-Case_ of _Poppy_, it is particularly to be noted,
That as the several _Windows_, serve to let in _Aer_, for the drying
of the _Seeds_, after their full Growth: So the _Canopy_ over them,
serves to keep out _Rain_. For here, the _Case_ not cleaving down the
_Side_, as it usually doth; should the _Rain_ get in, it would stand in
it, as in a _Pot_, and so rot the _Seeds_. And as the _Canopy_ serves
to preserve the _Seeds_; so the several _Partitions_ or _Walls_, for
their better _Stowage_. For by an easie survey of this little piece of
Ground, it is plain, that as they stand on both _Sides_ every _Wall_,
there is as much more Ground for them to stand upon, as if there were
no parting _Walls_, but the _Seeds_ stuck all round about upon the
_Ambit_ or _Sides_ of the _Case_; or upon a great _Bed_ or _Placenta_
within it, as in _Hyoscyamus_, _Anagallis_, &c. where there is a less
numerous _Brood_.
6. §. The _Coar_ likewise, by standing betwixt the moyst _Parenchyma_
and the _Seed_, and being hollow and so filled with _Aer_; doth much
conduce to the ripening and drying of the _Seed_, and its greater
fitness both for keeping, and sowing. So the _Parchment Lining_ of the
_Seed-Case_, as in _Hyoscyamus_, &c. is answerable to a _Coar_.
7. §. The _Parenchyma_ serveth, amongst other purposes, for the
_Generation_ of the _Covers_ of the _Seed_; as in some instances hath
been shewed. For which intent, sometimes the _Exterior Parenchyma_,
as in a _Limon_; sometimes the midlemost, as in a _Goosberry_ or
_Cucumer_, is subservient; both of them, in those _Fruits_, being more
white and dry, than the rest, and so fiter to make the _Covers_ of the
_Seed_.
8. §. The _Parenchyma_ is also of use for the warmth of the _Seed_;
as in the _Seed-Case_ of _Garden Radish_. Wherein, as it ripens the
_Parenchyma_ gradually drys, breaks, and shrinks up into several soft
_Membranes_, in which the _Seeds_, in the Centre of the _Case_, lie
swadled, as in so many fine _Calico Cloths_.
9. §. I SHALL conclude with observing the _Time_ of the _Generation_
of the _Fruit_ and _Seed-Case_. This hath hitherto been thought to be
initiated upon the opening, I say not, the forming, but the opening of
the _Flower_, or not long before. Notwithstanding which, what I have
formerly said of the _Flower_; I now do the like, of the _Uterus_ it
self; _sc._ That in very many _Plants_, ’tis formed, with the _Flower_,
the year before it appears and comes to its full _Growth_. ♦ _Tab.
71._ ♦ As for instance, in _Azarum_, not only all the _Parts_ of the
_Flower_, but the _Uterus_ it self, and there in also the outer _Cover_
of the _Seed_ of any one year, are perfectly formed in _August_ or
_September_ of the year foregoing. The like may be seen in _Tulip_,
_Mezereon_, _Corin_, and many other _Perennial Plants_.
THE
ANATOMY
OF
SEEDS,
PROSECUTED
With the bare EYE,
And with the
MICROSCOPE.
The Figures presented to the _Royal Society_, _in
the Year 1677_.
The FOURTH PART.
By _NEHEMJAH GREW_ M.D. Fellow of the _ROYAL SOCIETY_, and of the
_COLLEGE_ of _PHYSICIANS_.
_LONDON_,
Printed by _W. Rawlins_, 1682.
THE
CONTENTS
OF THE
Fourth Part.
CHAP. I.
_Of the FIGURES of_ Seeds.
CHAP. II.
_Of the NUMBER and MOTIONS of_ Seeds.
CHAP. III.
_Of the several COVERS of_ Seeds, _and of the VITELLUM._
CHAP. IV.
_Of the FOETUS or true SEED: and first of the
RADICLE and LOBES._
CHAP. V.
_Of the BUDS of_ Seeds. _And of the PARTS of which
these, the_ Radicle _and_ Lobes _are compounded._
CHAP. VI.
_Of the GENERATION of the_ Seed.
THE
ANATOMY
OF
SEEDS.