Chapter I: Part 1

Thursday, _Novemb. 9. 1671_.

_At a Meeting of the Council of the ~R. Society~._

_Ordered_,

That the Discourse presented to the R. Society, Entitul’d, _The Anatomy of ~Vegetables~ begun, with a General Accompt of ~Vegetables~ thereon_, By _N. Grew_, M.D. be Printed by _Spencer Hickman_, one of the Printers of the _R. Society_.

_Brouncker_ Pres.

THE
ANATOMY
OF
VEGETABLES
Begun.

With a
GENERAL ACCOUNT
OF
_VEGETATION_
Founded thereon.

By _NEHEMIAH GREW_, M. D.
and Fellow of the _Royal Society_.

_LONDON_,

Printed for _Spencer Hickman_, Printer
to the _R. Society_, at the _Rose_
in S. _Pauls_ Church-Yard, 1672.

TO THE
_Right Honourable_
&
_Most Illustrious_
THE
PRESIDENT & FELLOWS
OF THE
_ROYAL SOCIETY_,
_The Following_
DISCOURSE
_Is most Humbly_
Presented
_By_
The Authour
_NEHEMIAH GREW_.

TO THE _Right Reverend_ JOHN _Lord Bishop of CHESTER_.

_MY LORD_,

I hope your pardon, if while you are holding _that Best of Books_ in one Hand, I here present some Pages of that of _Nature_ into your other: Especially since _your Lordship_ knoweth very well, how excellent a _Commentary_ This is on the _Former_; by which, in part God reads the World his own Definition, and their Duty to him.

But if this Address, _my Lord_, may be thought congruous, ’tis yet more just; and that I should let _your Lordship_, and others know, how much, and how deservedly I resent your extraordinary Favours: Particularly that you were pleased so far to animate my Endeavours towards the publishing the following _Observations_. Many whereof, and most belonging to the First Chapter, having now lain dormant near seven years; and yet might perhaps have so continued, had not _your Lordships_ Eye at length created Light upon them. In doing which, you have given one, amongst those many Tokens, of as well your readiness to promote learning and knowledge by the hands of others; as your high Abilities to do it by your own. Both which are so manifest in _your Lordship_, that like the first Principles of _Mathematical Science_, they are not so much to be asserted, because known and granted by all.

The Consideration whereof, _my Lord_, may make me not only _just_ in owning of your Favours, but also most _Ambitious_ of your _Patronage_: which yet to bespeak, I must confess I cannot well. Not that I think what is good and valuable, is alwaies its own best Advocate; for I know that the Censures of men are humorous and variable, and that one Age must have leave to frown on those Books, which another will do nothing less than kiss and embrace. But chiefly for this Reason, lest I should so much as seem desirous of _your Lordships_ Solliciting my Cause as to all I have said: For as it is your Glory, that you like not so to shine, as to put out the least Star; so were it to your Dishonour to borrow your Name to illustrate the Spots, though of the most conspicuous.

_Your Lordships_ Most Obliged & Most Humble Servant

_Nehemiah Grew_.

THE PREFACE.

_Of what antiquity the ~Anatomy~ of ~Animals~ is, and how great have been its Improvements of later years, is well known. That of ~Vegetables~ is a subject which from all Ages to this day hath not only lain by uncultivated; but for ought I know, except some Observations of some of our own Countrey-men, hath not been so much as thought upon; whether for that the World hath been more enamoured with the former, or pity to humane frailty hath more obliged to it, or other Reasons, I need not enquire._

_But considering that both came at first out of the same Hand, and are therefore the Contrivances of the same Wisdom; I thence fully assured my self, that it could not be a vain Design, though possibly unsuccessful, to seek it in both._

_In the prosecution hereof, how far I have gone, I neither judge my self, nor leave it to any one else to do it; because no man knows how far we have yet to go, or are capable of going. Nor is there any thing which starves and stinteth the growth of knowledge more, than such Determinations, whether we speak or conceit them only._

_What we have performed thus far, lieth, for the most part, open to the use and improvement of all men. Only in some places, and chiefly in the Third Chapter, we have taken in the help of Glasses; wherein, after we had finished the whole Composure, some Observations made by that Ingenious and Learned Person Mr. ~Hook~, a Worthy Member of the ~Royal Society~, my much Honoured Friend, and by him communicated to me, were super-added: As likewise some others also ~Microscopical~, of my own, which his gave me the occasion of making._

_Those that shall think fit to examine, as well as to peruse these Observations, we advertise them, ~First~, That they begin, and so proceed till they end again, with the Seed: For they will hardly be able to avoid Errour and Misapprehension, if either partial or preposterous in their Enquiries. ~Next~, That they confine not their Enquiries to one time of the Year; but to make them in several Seasons, wherein the Parts of a ~Vegetable~ may be seen in their several Estates. ~And then~, That they neglect not the comparative ~Anatomy~; for as some things are better seen in one estate, so in one ~Vegetable~, than another._

_What, upon Observation already made, we have erected, as they are not Sticks and Straws; so neither do we assure all to be of the best Oak. How Dogmatical soever my Assertions may seem to be, yet do I not affect the unreasonable Tyranny of obtruding upon the Faith of any. He that speaketh Reason, may be rather satisfied, in being understood, than believed._

THE CONTENTS

CHAP. 1.

_Of the Seed as Vegetating._

The Method propounded. 1, 2. The _Garden-Bean_ dissected. 2. The two _Coats_ thereof. 2, 3. The _Foramen_ in the outer _Coat_, 3, 4. What generally observable of the Covers of the _Seed_, 4. The main Body of the _Seed_, 5, 6. The _Radicle_ distinguish’d. 6. The _Plume_ distinguish’d. 8. Described. 9. The _Cuticle_ described. 10, 11. The _Parenchyma_. 11, 12. The _Inner Body_, how observed. 14, 16. Describ’d. 15, 16, 17, 18.

The _Coats_ how in common subservient to the _Vegetation_ of the _Seed_. 20, 21. The _Foramen_, of what use herein. 22. The use of the _Inner Coat_, and of the _Cuticle_. 22. Of the _Parenchyma_. 23. Of the Seminal Root. 23, 24. How the _Radicle_ first becomes a _Root_. 24, 26. How after the _Root_ the _Plume_ vegetates. 26. How the _Lobes_. 27. That they do, demonstrated. 29, 32. How the _Lobes_ thus turn into _Dissimilar Leaves_. 32. What hence resolvable. 32, 33. The use of the _Dissimilar Leaves_.

CHAP. 2.

_Of the Root._

The _Skin_ hereof, its Original. 37. The _Cortical Body_, its Original. 37. Description. 37, 38. _Pores._ 38. _Proportions._ 39. The _Lignous Body_, its Original. 39. Described by its _Pores_, 40. Its Proportions. 42. The _Insertment_, its original. 42. Description. 43. Pores. 43. Number and size. 44. A fuller description hereof, with that of the Osculations of the _lignous Body_. 44, 45. The _Pith_, its original sometimes from the _Seed_. 46. Sometimes from the _Cortical Body_. 47, 49. Its _Pores_. 49. _Proportions_. 49, 50. _Fibres_ of the _lignous Body_ therein. 50. The _Pith_ of those _Fibres_. 51.

How the _Root_ grows, and the use of the _Skin_, _Cortical_ and _lignous Body_ thereto. 51, 54. How it groweth in length. 55. By what means it descends. 56, 57. How it grows in breadth. 58. And the _Pith_ how thus framed. 59. The use of the _Pith_. 60, 61. Of the _Insertment_. 61, 62. The joint service of all the Parts. 63, 65.

CHAP. 3.

_Of the Trunk._

The _Skin_, its original. 67. The original of the _Cortical Body_. 67. Of the _lignous_. 68. Of the _Insertment_ and _Pith_. 68. The Latitudinal Shooting of the _lignous Body_, wherein observable. 69. The _Pores_ of the _lignous Body_, where and how most remarkable. 70. The _Pith_ of the same _Pores_. 70. A lesser sort of _Pores_. 71. A third sort only visible through a _Microscope_. Observed in Wood or Char-coal. 71. Observed in the Fibres of the Trunks of Plants. 72. 73. The _Insertions_ where more visible. 73, 74. The smaller Insertions, only visible through a _Microscope_. 74, 75. The _Pores_ of the Insertions. 76. Of the _Pith_. 77, 79.

How the _Trunk_ ascends. 80. 81. The disposition of its Parts consequent to that Ascent. 81, 82. Consequent to the different Nature of the _Sap_. 83, 84. The effects of the said Differences. 84, 89. Which way, and how the _Sap_ ascends. 89-98.

The Appendix.

_Of Trunk-Roots and Claspers._

_Trunk-Roots_ of two kinds. 99. _Claspers_ of one kind. 100. The use of both. 100, 103.

CHAP. 4.

_Of the Germen, Branch, and Leaf._

The Parts of the _Germen_ and _Branch_ the same with those of the _Trunk_. 104, 105. The manner of their growth. 105, 107. How nourished. 107. And the use of Knots. 108. How secur’d. 109. The Parts of a Leaf. 110. The Positions the _Fibres_ of the Stalks of Leaves. 110, 111. The visible cause of the different shape of Leaves. 112. And of their being flat. 113. The Foulds of Leaves, their kinds and Use. 114-118. The Protections of Leaves. 119, 120. The use of the Leaf. 120, 123.

_The Appendix._

_Of Thorns, Hairs and Globulets._

_Thorns_ of two kinds. 124, 125. _Hairs_ of divers. 126. Their use. 127. _Globulets_ of two kinds. 128.

CHAP. 5.

_Of the Flower._

Its Impalement of divers kinds. 129, 130. Their use. 130, 132. The _Foliation_, its nature. 132. Foulds. 133, 134. Protections. 135. Downs. 135. Globulets. 136. Its Use. 137, 139. The _Attire_ of two kinds. The Description of the first. 140, 142. Of the other. 143, 145. Their use. 145-148.

CHAP. 6.

_Of the Fruit._

The Number, Description, and Original of the Parts of an _Apple_. 149-152. Of a _Pear_. 153, 155. Of a _Plum_. 155-159. Of a _Nut_. 159, 161. Of a _Berry_. 161, 162. The use of the _Fruit_. 163-167.

CHAP. 7.

_Of the Seed in its state of Generation._

The _Case_, its Figures. 168. The outer Coat, its Figures. 170. Various Surface. 170, 171. And Mucilages. 171, 172. The nature of the outer Coat. 172. Its Original. 173, 174. The Original of the inner. 174. Its Nature. 175, 176. The _Secondine_. 177, 178. The _Colliquamentum_ herein. 178. The _Navel Fibres_. 179, 180.

In the Generation of the _Seed_, the _Sap_ first prepared in the _Seed-Branch_. 181. Next in the inner Coat. 182. With the help of the outer. 182. The use of the _Secondine_. 183, 184. Of the Ramulets of the _Seed-Branch_. ib. Of their _Inosculation_. ib. How the _Colliquamentum_ becometh a _Parenchyma_. 185, 186.

_Cl. Glissonius_ in Prolegomenis præfixis Libro de _Hepatis Anatomia_, c. 1.

Plantæ quoque in hunc censum (_sc. Anatomicum_) veniunt. Varia enim partium textura, & differentiis constant: & proculdubio ex accurata earundem diffectione, utiles valde Observationes nobis exurgerent; præstaretq; in illis (inferioris licet ordinis) rebus examinandis operam impendere, quam in transcribendis (ut sæpe fit) aliorum laboribus, inutiliter ætatem transigere. Quippe, hoc pacto, ignavarum apum more, aliena duntaxat alvearia expilamus, nihilq; bono publico adjicimus.

_To be added and corrected._

Pag. 8. _l._ 15. after _must_, _adde_ upon the Sprouting of the _Bean_. _p. 12. l. 23._ after _dense_, _adde_ and thence their different Tinctures. _p. 18. l. 13._ after _that_, _adde_ when. _p. 20. l. 8._ for _the_, _read_ an. _p. 56, l. 8._ _r._ once. _p. 90. l. 11._ _dele_ as. _p. 91. l. 12._ _r._ older. _p. 120. l. 11._ after _all_, _r._ is. _p. 134. l. 11._ _r._ _Convolvulus_. _p. 143. l. 10._ _r._ ever. _p. 145. l. 14._ for _not_, _r._ or. _p. 159. l. 8._ for _by_, _r._ to. _p. 160. l. 18._ dele _not_. _p. 185. l. 14._ after _therewith_, _r._ the. _dele_ the former _the_.

_In some Copies._

P. 168. _l. 4._ _r._ _ultimate end_, and _p. 170. l. 22._ _r._ _Favous_.

_The Reader is desired to excuse the misplacing of the Figures by the Graver, in the Authors absence._

Transcriber’s Note

The above additions and corrections have been made, and in addition the following changes were made to correct suspected printing errors:

Contents, “Coliquamentum” changed to “Colliquamentum” (The _Colliquamentum_ herein.)

Contents, “subsetvient” changed to “subservient” (how in common subservient)

Page 13, “anothet” changed to “another” (there being another Body)

Page 28, “ruus” changed to “runs” (which runs into the _Plume_)

Page 93, “and and” changed to “and” (the _Lignous Body_, and from the production)

Page 99, “Rooots” changed to “Roots” (Of Trunk-Roots and Claspers.)

Page 121, “Leavs” changed to “Leaves” (the Leaves above-named)

Page 126, “althoegh” changed to “although” (although they are various)

Page 126, “to to” changed to “to” (in some resemblance to a _Stags-Horn_)

Page 171, “transpareut” changed to “transparent” (on the other, transparent;)

Fig. 16, “The The” changed to “The” (The _Cortical Body_, or _Barque_.)

Punctuation and word spacing were amended without note; spelling remains as printed.

THE ANATOMY OF VEGETABLES

Begun.

With a General Account of _Vegetation_ founded thereon.

CHAP. I.

_Of the Seed as Vegetating._

Being to speak of Vegetables; and, as far as Inspection and consequent Reason may conduct, to enquire into the visible Constitutions and Uses of their several Parts; I chuse that Method which may with best advantage suit to what we have to say hereon: And that is the Method of Nature her self, in her continued Series of Vegetations, proceeding from the Seed sown, to the formation of the Root, Trunk, Branch, Leaf, Flower, Fruit, and last of all, of the Seed also to be sown again; all which we shall in the same order particularly speak of.

The Essential Constitutions of the said Parts are in all Vegetables the same: But for Observation, some are more convenient; in which I shall chiefly instance. And first of all, for the Seed we chuse the great Garden-Bean.

If we take a Bean then and dissect it, we shall find it cloathed with a double Vest or Coat: These Coats, while the Bean is yet green, are separable, and easily distinguished. When ’tis dry, they cleave so closely together, that the Eye, not before instructed, will judge them but one; the inner Coat likewise (which is of the most rare contexture) so far shrinking up, as to seem only the roughness of the outer, somewhat resembling Wafers under _Maquaroons_.

At the thicker end of the Bean, in the outer Coat, a very small _Foramen_ presents it self: In dissection ’tis found to terminate against the point of that part which I call the _Radicle_, whereof I shall presently speak. It is of that capacity as to admit a small Virginal Wyer, and is most conspicuous in a green Bean.

This _Foramen_ may be observed not only in the great Garden-Bean, but likewise in the other kinds; in the French-Bean very plainly; in Pease, Lupines, Vetches, Lentiles, and other Pulse ’tis also found; and in many Seeds not reckoned of this kindred, as in that of _Fœnugreek_, _Medica Tornata_, _Goats-Rue_, and others: In many of which, ’tis so very small, as scarcely, without the help of Glasses to be discovered; and in some, not without cutting off part of the Seed besides, which otherwise would intercept the sight hereof; it being in these and such like Seeds, from the place of the breaking off of the Peduncle perfectly distinct.

We may then observe, that all Seeds which have thick or hard Coats, have the same likewise perforated, in this, or some other manner. And accordingly, although the Coats of such Seeds as are lodg’d in Shells or Stones, being thin, are not visibly perforated; yet the Stones and Shells themselves always are; as _Chap. 7._ shall be seen how. To which Chapter, what is farther observable, either as to the nature, or number of the covers of the Seed, I also refer.

The Coats of the Bean being stripp’d off the proper Seed shews it self. The parts whereof it is constituted, are three; _sc._ the main Body, and two other appendant to it, which we may call the three Organical parts of the Bean.

The main Body is not one entire piece, but alwaies divided lengthwise into two halves or Lobes, which are both joyn’d together at the Basis of the Bean. These Lobes in dry Beans, are but difficultly separated or observ’d; but in young ones, especially boil’d, they easily slip asunder. See _Fig. 1_.

Some very few Seeds are divided, not into two Lobes, but more; as that of _Cresses_; and some not at all divided, but entire; as _Corn_: Excepting which few, all other Seeds, even the smallest are divided, like as the Bean, into just two Lobes: whereof though in most Seeds we cannot by dissection be inform’d; yet otherwise we easily may as shall be seen.

At the Basis of the Bean, the two other Organical parts stand appendent; by mediation whereof the two Lobes meet and join together. The greater of these two parts stands without the two Lobes, and upon divesting the Bean of its Coats, is immediately visible. ’Tis of a whiter colour, and more glossie than the main Body, especially when the Bean is young. In the Bean, and many other Seeds, tis situated somewhat above the thicker end, as you hold the Bean in its most proper posture for growth. In Oak-Kernels, which we call Acorns, Apple-Kernels, Almonds, and many other Seeds, it stands prominent just from the end; the Basis and the end being in these the same, but in the Bean divers. See _Fig. 1_.

This part is not only in the Bean, and the Seeds above mentioned; but in all others: being that which upon the Vegetation of the Seed, becomes the Root of the Plant; which therefore I call the _Radicle_: by which, I mean the Materials, abating the Formality, of a Root, ’Tis not easie to be observed, saving in some few Seeds, amongst which, that of the Bean is the most fair and ample of all I have seen; but that of some other Seeds, is, in proportion, greater; as of _Fœnugreek_, which is almost as big as one of its Lobes.

The lesser of the two laid Appendents lies occult between the two Lobes of the Bean, by separation whereof only it is to be seen. ’Tis enclos’d in two small Cavities form’d in the Lobes for its reception. Its colour comes near that of the _Radicle_; and is founded upon the Basis thereof having a quite contrary production, _sc._ towards the cone of the Bean; and being that very part, which, in process, becomes the Body or Trunk of the Vegetable. See _Fig. 1_.

For the sake of this Part principally it is, that the Bean is divided into Lobes; _sc._ that it may be warmly and safely lodged up between them; and so secur’d from the Injuries so tender a Part would sustain from the Mould, whereto, had the Main Body been entire, it must upon the Sprouting of the _Bean_ have lain contiguous.

This Part is not, like the _Radicle_, an entire Body, but divided at its loose end into divers pieces, all very close set together, as Feathers in a Bunch; for which reason it may be called the _Plume_. They are so close, that only two or three of the outmost are at first seen: but upon a nice and curious separation of these, the more interiour still may be discovered. Now as the _Plume_ is that Part which becomes the Trunk of the Plant, so these pieces are so many true, and already formed, though not displayed, Leaves, intended for the said Trunk, and foulded up in the same plicature, wherein, upon the sprouting of the Bean, they afterwards appear. In a French Bean the two outmost are very fair and elegant. In the great Garden-Bean, two extraordinary small Plumes, often, if not always, stand one on either side the great one now describ’d: From which, in that they differ in nothing save in their size, I therefore only here just take notice of them. And these three Parts, _sc._ the _Main Body_, the _Radicle_, and the _Plume_, are concurrent to the making up of every Seed; and no more than these.

Having thus taken a view of the Organical Parts of the Bean, let us next examine the Similary, _sc._ those whereof the Organical are compos’d: a distinct observation of which, for a clear understanding of the Vegetation of the Seed, and of the whole Plant arising thence, is requisite: To obtain which, we must proceed in our Anatomy.

Dissecting a Bean then, the first Part occurring is its Cuticle. The Eye and first Thoughts suggest it to be only a more dense and glossy Superficies; but better enquiry discovers it a real Cuticle. ’Tis so exquisitely thin, and for the most part so firmly continuous with the Body of the Bean, that it cannot, except in some small Rag, be distinctly seen; which, by carrying your Knife superficially into the Bean, and then very gently bearing upward what you have cut, will separate and shew it self transparent. This Cuticle is not only spread upon the Convex of the Lobes, but also on their Flats, where they are contiguous, extending it self likewise upon both the _Radicle_ and _Plume_, and so over the whole Bean.

This Part, though it be so far common with the Coats of the Bean, as to be like those, an Integument; yet are we in a quite different Notion to conceive of it: For whereas the Coats upon setting the Bean, do only administer the Sap, and, as being superseded from their Office, then die; as shall be seen: this, on the contrary, with the Organical Parts of the Bean, is nourished, augmented, and by a real Vegetation co-extended.

Next to the Cuticle, we come to the _Parenchyma_ it self; the Part throughout which the _inner Body_, whereof we shall speak anon, is disseminated; for which reason I call it the _Parenchyma_. The Surface hereof is somewhat dense, but inwardly ’tis more porous, and of a laxer Contexture. If you view it in a Microscope, it hath some similitude to the Pith, while sappy, in the Roots and Trunks of Plants; and that for good reason, as in _Ch. 2._ shall be seen. This is best seen in green Beans. See _Fig. 2_.

This Part would seem by its colour to be peculiar to the Lobes of the Bean; but as is the Cuticle, so is this also, common both to the _Radicle_ and _Plume_; that is, the _Parenchyma_ of the Bean, as to its essential substance, is the same in all three. The reason why the colour of the _Plume_, and especially of the _Radicle_, which is white, is so different from that of the Lobes, may chiefly depend upon their being more compact and dense, and thence their different Tinctures. And therefore the Lobes themselves, which are green while the Bean is young; yet being old and dry, become whitish too. And in many other Seeds, as Acorns, Almonds, the Kernels of Apples, Plums, Nuts, _&c._ the Lobes, even fresh and young, are pure white as the Radicle it self.

But although the _Parenchyma_ be common, as is said, to all the Organical Parts; yet in very differing proportions. In the _Plume_, where it is proportionably least, it maketh about three Fifths of the whole _Plume_; in the _Radicle_, it maketh about five Seavenths of the whole _Radicle_; and in each Lobe, is so far over-proportionate, as to make at least nine Tenths of the whole Lobe.

By what hath been said, that the _Parenchyma_ is not the only constituting Part, besides the Cuticle, is imply’d: there being another Body, of an essentially different substance, embosom’d herein: which may be found, not only in the _Radicle_ and _Plume_, but also in the Lobes themselves, and so in the whole Bean. See _Fig. 2_.

This inner Body appears most plain and conspicuous in cutting the _Radicle_ athwart, and so proceeding by degrees towards the _Plume_, through both which it runneth in a large and straight Trunk. In the Lobes, being it is there in so very small proportion, ’tis difficultly seen, especially towards their Verges: yet if with a sharp Knife you smoothly cut the Lobes of the Bean athwart, divers small Specks, of a different colour from that of the _Parenchyma_, standing therein all along in a Line, may be observ’d; which Specks are the Terminations of the Branches of this inner Body. See _Fig. 3_.

For this inner Body, as it is existent in every Organical part of the Bean, so is it, with respect to each part, most regularly distributed. In a good part of the _Radicle_ ’tis one entire Trunk; towards the Basis thereof, ’tis divided into three main Branches; the middlemost runneth directly into the Plume; the other two on either side it, after a little space, pass into the Lobes; where the said Branches dividing themselves into other smaller; and those into more, and smaller again, are terminated towards the Verges of each Lobe; in which manner the said inner Body being distributed, it becomes in each Lobe, a true and perfect Root. See _Fig. 2_.

This Seminal Root, as now we’ll call it, being so tender, cannot be perfectly excarnated, as may the Vessels in the Parts of an Animal, by the most accurate Hand; yet by dissection begun and continu’d, as is above-declared, its whole frame and distribution may be easily observ’d. Again, if you take the Lobe of a Bean, and lengthwise pare off its _Parenchyma_ by degrees, and in very thin Shives, many Branches of the Seminal Root, (which by the other way of Dissection were only noted by so many Specks) both as they are fewer about the Basis of the Bean, and more numerous towards its Verges, in some good distinction and entireness will appear. For this you must have new Beans.

As the inner Body is branched out in the Lobes, so is it in the _Plume_: For if you cut the _Plume_ athwart, and from the Basis proceed along the Body thereof, you’l find therein, first, one large Trunk or Branch, and after four or five very small Specks round about it, which are the terminations of so many lesser Branches therewith distributed to the several parts of the _Plume_. See _Fig. 4_. The distribution of the inner Body, as it is continuous throughout all the Organical Parts of the Bean, is represented by _Fig. 2_.

This _Inner Body_ is, by dissection, best observable in the Bean and great Lupine. In other larger Pulse it shows likewise some obscure Marks of it-self: But in no other Seeds, which I have observed, though of the greatest size, as of _Apples_, _Plums_, _Nuts_, &c. is there any clear appearance hereof, upon dissection, saving in the _Radicle_ and _Plume_; the reason of which is partly from its quantity, being in most Seeds so extraordinary little; partly from its Colour, which in most Seeds, is the same with that of the _Parenchyma_ it self, and so not distinguishable from it.

Yet in a _Gourd-Seed_, the whole _Seminal Root_, not only its _Main Branches_, but also the Sub-divisions and Inosculations of the lesser ones, are without any dissection, upon the separation of the Lobes, on their contiguous Flats immediatly apparent. See _Fig. 5_. And as to the existence of this Seminal Root, what Dissection cannot attain, ocular inspection in hundreds of other Seeds, even the smallest, will demonstrate; as in this _Chapter_ shall be seen how.

In the mean time, let us only take notice, that when we say every Plant hath its Root, we reckon short, for every Plant hath really two, though not contemporary, yet successive Roots, its Original or _Seminal-Root_ within its Seed, and its _Plant-Root_, which the _Radicle_ becometh in its growth: the _Parenchyma_ of the Seed being in some resemblance, that to the _Seminal Root_ at first, which the Mould is to the _Plant-Root_ afterwards; and the _Seminal Root_ being that to the _Plant-Root_, which the _Plant-Root_ is to the _Trunk_. For our better understanding whereof, having taken a view of the several Parts of a Bean, as far as Dissection conducts; we will next briefly enquire into the use of the said Parts, and in what manner they are the Fountain of Vegetation, and concurrent to the being of the future Plant.

The general Cause of the growth of a _Bean_ or other Seed, is _Fermentation_; that is, the _Bean_ lying in the Mould, and a moderate access of some moisture, partly dissimilar, and partly congenerous, being made, a gentle _Fermentation_ thence ariseth; by which the _Bean_ swelling, and the _Sap_ still encreasing, and the _Bean_ continuing still to swell, the work thus proceeds: as is the usual way of explicating. But that there is simply a _Fermentation_, and so a sufficient supply of _Sap_, is not enough; but that this _Fermentation_ and the _Sap_ wherein ’tis made, should be under a various Government by divers Parts thereto subservient, is also requisite; and as the various preparation of the _Aliment_ in an _Animal_, equally necessary, the particular process of the Work according whereto, we find none undertaking to declare.

Let us look upon a _Bean_ then, as a piece of Work so fram’d and set together, as to declare a Design for the production of a Plant, which, upon its lying in some convenient Soyl, is thus effected. First of all, the _Bean_ being enfoulded round in its Coats, the _Sap_ wherewith it is fed, must of necessity pass through these: By which means, it is not only in a proportionate quantity, and by due degrees; but also in a purer body; and possibly not without some Vegetable Tincture, transmitted to the _Bean_. Whereas, were the _Bean_ naked, the _Sap_ must needs be, as over-copious, so but crude and immature, as not being filtred through so fine a Cotton as the Coats be. And as they have the use of a _Filtre_ to the transient _Sap_, so of a Vessel to that which is still deposited within them; being alike accommodated to the securer _Fermentation_ hereof, as Bottles or Barrels are to Beer, or any other _Fermentative Liquor_.

And as the _Fermentation_ is promoted by some Aperture in the Vessel; so have we the _Foramen_ in the upper Coat also contrived, that if there should be need of some more aiery Particles to excite the _Fermentation_, through this they may obtain their Entry: Or, on the contrary, should there be any such Particles or Steams as might damp the genuine proceeding thereof, through this again they may have easy issue: being that, as a common Pasport here to the _Sap_, which what we call the Bung-hole of the Barrel, is to the new-tunn’d Liquor. That this _Foramen_ is truly permeable even in old setting _Beans_, appears upon their being soak’d for some time in Water: For then taking them out, and crushing them a little, many small bubbles will alternately arise and break upon it.

The _Sap_ being passed through the Coats, it next enters the Body of the _Bean_; yet not indiscriminately neither; but, being filtred through the _Outer Coat_, and fermented both in the Body and Concave of the _Inner_, is by mediation of the _Cuticle_, again more finely filtr’d, and so entereth the _Parenchyma_ it self under a fourth Government.

Through which Part the _Sap_ passing towards the _Seminal Root_, as through that which is of a more spacious content; besides the benefit it hath of a farther percolation, it will also find room enough for a more free and active fermenting and maturation herein. And being moreover, part of the true Body of the _Bean_, and so with its proper Seminalities or Tinctures copiously repleat; the _Sap_ will not only find room, but also matter enough, by whose Energy its _Fermentation_ will still be more advanced.

And the _Sap_ being duly prepared here, it next passeth into all the Branches of the _Seminal Root_, and so under a fifth Government. Wherein how delicate ’tis now become, we may conceive by the proportion betwixt the _Parenchyma_ and this _Seminal Root_; so much only of the best digested _Sap_ being discharged from the whole Stock in that, as this will receive. And this, moreover, as the _Parenchyma_, with its proper Seminalities being endowed; the _Sap_, for the supply of the _Radicle_, and of the young Root from thence, is duly prepared therein, and with its highest Tincture and Impregnation at last enriched.

The _Sap_ being thus prepared in the Lobes of the _Bean_, ’tis thence discharg’d; and either into the _Plume_ or the _Radicle_, must forthwith issue. And since the _Plume_ is a dependent on the _Radicle_; the _Sap_ therefore ought first to be dispenced to this; which accordingly is ever found to shoot forth before the _Plume_, and that sometimes an inch or two in length. Now because the primitive course of the _Sap_ into the _Radicle_, is thus requisite, therefore by the frame of the Parts of the _Bean_ is it made necessary too. For we may observe that the two main Branches of the _Seminal Root_ in which the several _Ramifications_ in either Lobe are all united, commit not themselves into the _Seminal Trunk_ of the _Plume_, nor yet so as to stand at right Angles with them, and with equal respect towards them both; but being producted through part of the _Parenchyma_ of the _Radicle_, are at last united therein to the main Trunk, and make acute Angles therewith; as may be seen by _Fig. 2_. Now the _Sap_ being brought as far as the _Seminal Root_ in either Lobe, and according to the conduct thereof continuing still to move, it must needs immediately issue into the same part whereinto the main Branches themselves do, that is, into the _Radicle_. By which _Sap_, thus bringing the several Tinctures of the parts aforesaid with it, being now fed; it is no longer a meer _Radicle_, but is made also _Seminal_, and so becomes a perfect Root.

The _Radicle_ being thus impregnate and shot into a root, ’tis now time for the _Plume_ to rouze out of its Cloysters, and germinate too: In order whereto, ’tis now fed from the Root with laudable and sufficient Aliment. For as the Supplies and motion of the _Sap_ were first made from the Lobes towards the Root, so the Root being well shot into the Moulds, and now receiving a new and more copious _Sap_ from these; the motion hereof must needs be stronger, and by degrees revert the primitive _Sap_, and so move in a contrary course, _sc._ from the Root towards the _Plume_; and, by the continuation of the _Seminal trunk_, is directly conducted thereinto; by which, being fed, it gradually enlarges and displayes it self.

The course of the _Sap_ thus turned, it issues, I say, in a direct Line from the _Root_ into the _Plume_, but collaterally into the Lobes also; _sc._ by those two aforesaid Branches which are obliquely transmitted from the _Radicle_ into either Lobe. By which Branches the said _Sap_ being disbursed back into all the _Seminal Root_, and from thence likewise into the _Parenchyma_ of the Lobes; they are both thus fed, and for some time augmenting themselves, really grow; as in _Lupines_ is evident.

Yet is not this common to all Seeds; some rot under-ground, as _Corn_; being of a laxer and less Oleous substance, differing herein from most other Seeds; and being not divided into Lobes, but one entire thick Body. And some, although they continue firm, yet rise not as the great _Garden-Bean_; in which therefore it is observable, that the two Main Branches of the Lobes in comparison with that which runs into the _Plume_, are but mean; and so insufficient to the feeding and vegetation of the Lobes; the _Plume_, on the contrary, growing so lusty, as to mount up without them.

Excepting a few of these two kinds, all other Seeds whatsoever, (which I have observed) besides that they continue firm, upon the Vegetation of the _Plume_, mount also upwards, and advance above the Mould together with it; as all Seeds which spring up with dissimilar Leaves, the two (for the most part two) dissimilar Leaves, being the very Lobes of the Seed divided, expanded, and thus advanced.

The Impediments of our apprehension hereof are the Colour, Size and Shape of the dissimilar Leaves. Notwithstanding, that they are nothing else but the main body of the Seed, how I came first to phansie, and afterwards to know it, was thus: First, I observed in general that the dissimilar Leaves were never jagg’d, but even edg’d: And seeing the even verges of the Lobes of the Seed hereto respondent, I was apt to think, that those which were so like, might prove the same. Next descending to particular Seeds, I observed first of the _Lupine_; that as to its Colour, upon its advance above the Mould, it ever changed into a perfect Green. And why might not the same by parity of Reason be inferr’d of other Seeds? That, as to its size, it grew but little bigger than when first set. Whence, as I discern’d (the Augmentation being but little) we here had only the two Lobes: So, (as some augmentation there was) I inferr’d the like might be, and that, in farther degrees, in other Seeds.

Next, of the _Cucumber_-seed. That, as to its Colour, often appearing above ground in its Primitive white, from white it turns to yellow, and from yellow to green, the proper colour of a Leaf: That, as to its size, though at its first arise, the Lobes were little bigger than upon setting; yet afterwards as they chang’d their Colour, so their Dimensions also, growing to a three-four-five-fold amplitude above their primitive size: But whereas the Lobes of the Seed are in proportion, narrow, short and thick, how then come the dissimilar Leaves to be so exceeding broad, or long and thin? The Question answers it self: For the dissimilar Leaves, for very reason are so thin, because so very broad or long; as we see many things, how much they are extended in length or breadth, so much they lose in depth, or grow more thin; which is that which here befalls the now effoliated Lobes. For being once disimprisoned from their Coats, and the course of the Sap into them now more and more encreased, they must needs very considerably amplifie themselves; and from the manner wherein the _Seminal Root_ is branched in them, that amplification cannot be in thickness, but in length or breadth: In both which, in some dissimilar Leaves ’tis very remarkable; especially in length, as in those of _Lettice_, _Thorn-Apple_, and others; whose Seeds, although very small, yet the Lobes of those Seeds growing up into Dissimilar Leaves, are extended an Inch, and sometimes more, in length; though he that shall attempt to get a clear sight of the Lobes of _Thorn-Apple_, and some others, by Dissection, will find it no easy Task; yet is that which may be obtained. From all which, and the observation of other Seeds, I at last found, that the dissimilar Leaves of a young Plant, are nothing else but the Lobes or _main Body_ of its Seed: So that as the Lobes did at first feed and impregnate the _Radicle_ into a _perfect Root_; so the _Root_ being perfected, doth again feed, and by degrees amplifie each Lobe into a perfect Leaf.

The Original of the dissimilar Leaves thus known, we understand, why some Plants have none; because the Seed either riseth not, as _Garden-Beans_, _Corn_, &c. Or upon rising, the Lobes are little alter’d, as _Lupines_, _Pease_, &c. Why, though the proper Leaves are often indented round; the dissimilar, like the Lobes, are even-edg’d. Why, though the proper Leaves are often hairy, yet these are ever smooth. Why some have more dissimilar Leaves than two, as _Cresses_, which have six, as the Ingenious Mr. _Sharrock_ also observes; the reason whereof is, because the _Main Body_ is not divided into two, but six, distinct Lobes, as I have often counted. Why _Radishes_ seem at first to have four, which yet after appear plainly two; because the Lobes of the Seed have both a little Indenture, and are both plaited, one over the other. To which we might add,

The use of the dissimilar Leaves is, first, for the protection of the _Plume_; which being but young, and so but soft and tender, is provided with these, as a double Guard, one on either side of it. For this reason it is, that the _Plume_ in Corn is trussed up within a membranous Sheath; and that of a _Bean_, cooped up betwixt a pair of _Surfoyls_; but where the Lobes rise, there the _Plume_ hath neither of them, being both needless.

Again, that since the _Plume_, being yet tender, may be injured not only by the Air, but also for want of Sap, the supplies from the Root being yet but slow and sparing; that the said _Plume_ therefore, by the dissimilar Leaves, may have the advantage likewise of some refreshment from Dew or Rain. For these having their Basis a little beneath that of the _Plume_, and expanding themselves on all sides of it, they often stand after Rain, like a Vessel of Water, continually soaking and supplying it, lest its new access into the Ayr, should shrivel it.

Moreover, that since the dissimilar Leaves by their Basis intercept the _Root_ and _Plume_, the greater and grosser part of the Sap may be by the way deposited into those; and so the purest proceed into the yet but young and delicate _Plume_, as its fittest Aliment.

Lastly, we have here a demonstration of the being of the _Seminal Root_; which since through the colour or smallness of the Seed, it could not by dissection be observ’d, except in some few; Nature hath here provided us a way of viewing it in the now effoliated Lobes, not of one or two Seeds, but of hundreds; the _Seminal Root_ visibly branching it self towards the Cone and Verges of the said Lobes, or now dissimilar Leaves.

CHAP. II.

_Of the Root._

Having examin’d and pursu’d the Degrees of _Vegetation_ in the _Seed_, we find its two Lobes have here their utmost period; and, that having conveyed their Seminalities into the _Radicle_ and into the _Plume_; these therefore as the Root and Trunk of the Plant still survive; Of these in their order we next proceed to speak; and first, of the _Root_: whereof, as well as of the _Seed_, we must by Dissection inform our selves.

In Dissection of a _Root_ then, we shall find it with the _Radicle_, as the Parts of an old man with those of a _Fœtus_, substantially one. The first Part occurring is its skin, the Original whereof is from the Seed: For that extream thin Cuticle which is spred over the Lobes of the Seed, and from thence over the _Radicle_, upon the shooting of the _Radicle_ into a Root, is co-extended, and becomes its Skin.

The next Part is the _Cortical Body_; the Original whereof likewise is from the Seed; or the _Parenchyma_, which is there common both to the Lobes and _Radicle_, being by Vegetation augmented and prolonged into the _Root_, is here the _Cortical Body_, or that which is sometimes called the _Barque_.

The Contexture of this _Cortical Body_ may be well illustrated by that of a _Sponge_, being a Body Porous, Dilative, and Pliable. Its Pores, as they are innumerable, so extream small. These Pores are not only susceptive of so much Moisture as to fill, but also to enlarge themselves, and so to dilate the _Cortical Body_ wherein they are; which by the shriv’ling in thereof, by being expos’d to the Air, is also seen. In which dilatation many of its Parts becoming more lax and distant, and none of them suffering a solution of their continuity; ’tis a Body also sufficiently pliable; or, a most exquisitely fine-wrought Sponge.

The Extention of these Pores is much alike both by their length and breadth of the Root; which from the shrinking up of the _Cortical Body_, in a piece of a cut Root, by the same dimensions, is argu’d.

The proportions of this _Cortical Body_ are various: If thin, ’tis called a _Barque_; & thought to serve to no other end, than what is usually ascrib’d to it as a _Barque_; which is a narrow conceit: If a Bulky Body in comparison with that within it, as in the young Roots of _Cychory_, _Asparagus_, &c. ’tis here, because the fairest, therefore taken for the prime Part; which, though, as to Medicinal use, it is; yet, as to the private use of the Plant, not so. The Colour hereof, though it be originally white, yet in the continued growth of the Root, divers Tinctures, as yellow in _Dock_, red in _Bistort_, are thereinto introduced.

Next within this Part stands the _Lignous Body_; the Original whereof, as of the two former, is from the Seed; or, the _Seminal Roots_ of both the Lobes, being united in the _Radicle_, and with its _Parenchyma_ co-extended, is here in the Root the _Lignous Body_.

The Contexture hereof is, in many of its parts, much more close than that of the _Cortical_; and their Pores very different: For whereas those of the _Cortical_ are infinitely numerous, these of the _Lignous_ are in comparison, nothing so. But these, although fewer, yet are they many of them more open, fair, and visible: as in a very thin Slice cut athwart the young Root of a Tree, and held up against the Light, is apparent: Yet not in all equally, in _Coran_-Tree, in _Goosberry_-Tree, _&c._ less; in _Oak_, _Plums_, and especially _Damascens_, more; in _Elder_, _Vines_, &c. more conspicuous. And as they are different in number and size, so also (whereon the numerousness of the Pores of the _Cortical Body_ principally depends) in their shape. For whereas those of the _Cortical Body_ are extended much alike both by the length and breadth of the _Root_; these of the _Lignous_ are only by the length; which, especially in _Vines_ and some other _Roots_, is evident. Of these Pores, ’tis also observable, that although in all places of the _Root_ they are visible, yet most fair and open about the _Fibrous Extremities_ of some _Roots_ (and in many _Roots_ higher) where there is no Pith. These Pores, as they shew in young _Roots_ of Trees, see in _Fig. 6_, & _7_.

This _Lignous Body_ lieth with all its Parts, so far as they are visible, in a Circle or Ring; yet are there divers extream small Fibres thence shooting, usually mixed with the _Cortical Body_; and by the somewhat different colour of the said _Cortical Body_ where they stand, may be noted these Fibres; the _Cortical Body_ and _Skin_ all together, properly make the _Barque_.

The proportion betwixt this _Lignous Body_ and the _Cortical_, is various, as was said; yet in this, constant, _sc._ that in the fibrous, and smaller Parts of the _Root_, the _Lignous Body_ is not only in compass, but in quantity the less; running like a slender Wyer or Nerve through the other surrounding it. They stand both together pyramidally, which is most common to _Infant-Roots_, but also to many other.

The next Part observable in the _Root_, is the _Insertment_. The existence hereof, so far as we can yet observe, is sometimes in the _Radicle_ of the Seed it self; I cannot say alwayes. As to its substantial nature, we are more certain; that it is the same with that of the _Parenchyma_ of the _Radicle_; being alwayes at least augmented, and so, in part, originated from the _Cortical Body_, and so, at second hand, from the said _Parenchyma_: For in dissecting a _Root_, we find, that the _Cortical Body_ doth not only environ the _Lignous_, but is also wedg’d, and in many pieces inserted into it; and that the said inserted pieces, make not a meer Indenture, but transmit and shoot themselves quite through as far as the Pith; which in a thin Slice cut athwart the _Root_ as so many lines drawn from the Circumference towards the Center, shew themselves. See _Fig. 6_, & _7_.

The Pores of the _Insertment_ are sometimes, at least, extended somewhat more by the breadth of the _Root_, as about the top of the _Root_ of _Borage_ may be seen; and are thus different from those of the _Cortical Body_, which are extended by the length and breadth much alike; and from those of the _Lignous_, being only by its length.

The number and size of these Insertions are various. In _Hawthorn_, and some others, and especially _Willows_, they are most extream small; in _Cherries_ and _Plums_ they are large; and in _Damascens_ especially, very fairly apparent. In the _Roots_ of small _Plants_ they are generally more easily discoverable; which may lead to the observation of them in all.

These Insertions, although they are continuous through both the length and breadth of the _Root_; yet not so in all Parts, but by the several shootings of the _Lignous Body_ are frequently intercepted. For of the _Lignous Body_ it is (here best) observable, That its several shootings, betwixt which the _Cortical_ is inserted, are not throughout the _Root_ wholly distinct; but that all along being enarch’d, the _Lignous Body_, both in length and breadth, is thus disposed into Braces or Osculations. Betwixt these several shootings of the _Lignous Body_ thus osculated, the _Cortical_ shooting, and being also osculated answerably Brace for Brace, that which I call the _Insertment_ is fram’d thereof.

These Osculations are so made, that the Pores of the _Lignous Body_, I think, notwithstanding, seldom run one into another; but, for the most part, still keep distinct; in the same manner as some of the Nerves, though they meet, and for some space are associated together, yet ’tis most probable that none of their Fibres are truly inosculated here, but only in the Plexures.

These Osculations of the _Lignous Body_, and so the interception of the Insertions of the _Cortical_, are not to be observ’d by the traverse cut of the _Root_, but by taking off the _Barque_, or the _Cortical Body_. In the Roots of Trees, they are generally obscure; but in Plants, often more distinctly apparent; and especially in a _Turnep_: the appearance whereof, the _Cortical Body_ being stripp’d off, is as a piece of close-wrought Network, fill’d up with the Insertions of the said _Cortical Body_. See _Fig. 8_.

The next and last distinct Part of the _Root_ is the _Pith_. The substantial nature thereof, is, as was said of the _Insertment_, the same likewise with that of the _Parenchyma_ of the Seed. And according to the best observation we have yet made, ’tis sometimes existent in its _Radicle_; in which, the two main Branches of the Lobes both meeting, and being osculated together, are thus dispos’d into one round Trunk, and so environing part of the _Parenchyma_, make thereof a _Pith_; as in either the _Radicle_, or the young _Root_ of the great _Bean_ or _Lupine_, may, I think, be well seen.

But many times the Original hereof is immediately from the _Cortical Body_. For in dissection of divers _Roots_ both of Trees and Plants, as of _Barberry_ or _Mallows_, it is observable, that the _Cortical Body_ and _Pith_ are both of them participant of the same Colour; in the _Barberry_ both of them tinged yellow, and in _Mallows_ green. In cutting the smaller Parts of the Roots of many Plants, as of _Borage_, _Mallows_, _Parsley_, _Columbine_, &c. ’tis also evident, that the _Lignous Body_ is not there in the least Concave, but standeth perfectly in the Center; and that the Insertions being gradually multiplied afterwards, the _Pith_ at length, towards the thicker parts of the _Root_, shews and enlarges it self. Whence it appears, that in all such _Roots_, the _Pith_ is not only of the same substantial nature, and by the Insertions doth communicate with the _Cortical Body_; and that it is also more or less augmented by it; which is true of the _Pith_ of all _Roots_; but is moreover, by mediation of the said Insertions, wholly originated from it. The various appearances of the _Insertions_ and _Pith_ from the Fibrous Parts to the top of the _Root_, see in _Fig. 9_, _10_, _11_, _12_, _13_, _14_. The Pores of the _Lignous Body_, entire in the said Fibrous Parts, are best seen when they have lain by a night dry, after cutting.

A farther evidence hereof are the Proportions betwixt the _Cortical Body_ and _Pith_. For as about the inferiour Parts of the _Root_, where the _Pith_ is small, the _Cortical Body_ is proportionably great; so about the top, where the _Pith_ is enlarged, the _Cortical Body_ groweth proportionably less, _sc._ because by its Insertions, ’tis gradually bestowed into the _Pith_. Likewise the peculiar frame of some _Roots_, wherein besides the _Pith_, the _Lignous Body_ being divided into a double Ring, there is also a thick Ring, of a white and soft substance, stands betwixt them; and is nothing else but the Insertions of the _Cortical Body_ collected into the said Ring; but, towards the top of the Root, being inserted again, thus maketh a large and ample _Pith_; as in _Fennel_-Roots is seen.