<P_156>

<heading>

Observ. XXXII . (HOOKE-E3-P2,156.3)

<font> Of the Figure of several sorts of </font> Hair , <font> and of
the texture of the </font> skin . (HOOKE-E3-P2,156.4)

</heading>

Viewing some of the Hairs of my Head with a very good <font> Microscope
</font> , I took notice of these particulars : (HOOKE-E3-P2,156.6)

1 . (HOOKE-E3-P2,156.7)

That they were , for the most part , <font> Cylindrical </font> ,
(HOOKE-E3-P2,156.8)

some of them were somewhat <font> Prismatical </font> ,
(HOOKE-E3-P2,156.9)

but generally they were very neer round , such as are represented in
the second Figure of the 5. <font> scheme </font> , by the <font>
Cylinders </font> EEE . (HOOKE-E3-P2,156.10)

nor could I find any that had sharp angules . (HOOKE-E3-P2,156.11)

<P_157>

2 . (HOOKE-E3-P2,157.13)

That that part which was next the top , was bigger then that which was
neerer the root . (HOOKE-E3-P2,157.14)

3 . (HOOKE-E3-P2,157.15)

That they were all along from end to end transparent , though not very
cleer , the end next the root appearing like a black transparent piece
of Horn , the end next the top more brown , somewhat like transparent
Horn . (HOOKE-E3-P2,157.16)

4 . (HOOKE-E3-P2,157.17)

That the root of the Hairs were pretty smooth , tapering inwards ,
almost like a Parsneb ; (HOOKE-E3-P2,157.18)

nor could I find that it had any filaments , or any other vessels ,
such as the <font> fibres </font> of Plants . (HOOKE-E3-P2,157.19)

5 . (HOOKE-E3-P2,157.20)

That the top when split <paren> which is common in long Hair </paren>
appear'd like the end of a stick , beaten till it be all flitter'd ,
there being not onely two splinters , but sometimes half a score and
more . (HOOKE-E3-P2,157.21)

6 . (HOOKE-E3-P2,157.22)

That they were all , as farr as I was able to find , solid <font>
Cylindrical </font> bodies , not pervious , like a Cane or Bulrush ;
(HOOKE-E3-P2,157.23)

nor could I find that they had any Pith , or distinction of Rind , or
the like , such as I had observ'd in Horse-hairs , the Bristles of a
Cat , the <font> Indian </font> Deer's Hair , &c . (HOOKE-E3-P2,157.24)

<heading>

<font> Observations on several other sorts of </font> Hair .
(HOOKE-E3-P2,157.26)

</heading>

For the Brisles of a Hogg , I found them to be first a hard transparent
horny substance , without the least appearance of pores or holes in it
; (HOOKE-E3-P2,157.28)

and this I try'd with the greatest care I was able , cutting many of
them with a very sharp Razor , so that they appear'd , even in the
Glass , to have a pretty smooth surface , but somewhat waved by the
sawing to and fro of the Razor , as is visible in the end of the <font>
Prismatical </font> body A of the same Figure ; (HOOKE-E3-P2,157.29)

and then making trials with causing the light to be cast on them all
the various ways I could think of , that was likely to make the pores
appear , if there had been any , I was not able to discover any .
(HOOKE-E3-P2,157.30)

Next , the Figure of the Brisles was very various , neither perfectly
round , nor sharp edg'd , but <font> Prismatical </font> , with divers
sides , and round angles , as appears in the Figure A .
(HOOKE-E3-P2,157.31)

The bending of them in any part where they before appear'd cleer ,
would all flaw them , and make them look white . (HOOKE-E3-P2,157.32)

The Mustacheos of a Cat <paren> part of one of which is represented by
the short <font> Cylinder </font> B of the same Figure </paren> seem'd
to have , all of them that I observ'd , a large pith in the middle ,
like the pith of an Elder , whose texture was so close , that I was not
able to discover the least sign of pores ; (HOOKE-E3-P2,157.33)

and those parts which seem to be pores , as they appear'd in one
position to the light , in another I could find a manifest reflectiom
to be cast from them . (HOOKE-E3-P2,157.34)

This I instance in , to hint that it is not safe to conclude any thing
to be positively this or that , though it appear never so plain and
likely when look'd on with a <font> Microscope </font> to one posture ,
before the same be examin'd by placing it in several other positions .
(HOOKE-E3-P2,157.35)

And this I take to be the reason why many have believed and asserted
the Hairs of a man's head to be hollow , and like so many small pipes
perforated from end to end . (HOOKE-E3-P2,157.36)

Now , though I grant that by an <font> Analogie </font> one may suppose
them so , <P_158> and from the <font> Polonian </font> disease one may
believe them such , yet I think we have not the least encouragement to
either from the <font> Microscope </font> , much less positively to
assert them such . (HOOKE-E3-P2,158.37)

And perhaps the very essence of the <font> Plica Polonica </font> may
be the hairs growing hollow , and of an unnatural constitution .
(HOOKE-E3-P2,158.38)

And as for the <font> Analogie </font> , though I am apt enough to
think that the hairs of several Animals may be perforated somewhat like
a Cane , or at least have a kind of pith in them , first , because they
seem as $'t $were {TEXT:'twere} a kind of Vegetable growing on an
Animal , which growing , they say , remains a long while after the
Animal is dead , and therefore should like other Vegetables have a pith
; and secondly , because Horns and Feathers , and Porcupine's Quils ,
and Cats Brisles , and the long hairs of Horses , which come very neer
the nature of a mans hair , seem all of them to have a kind of pith ,
and some of them to be porous , (HOOKE-E3-P2,158.39)

yet I think it not <paren> in these cases , where we have such helps
for the sense as the <font> Microscope </font> affords </paren> safe
concluding or building on more then we sensibly know , since we may ,
with examining , find that Nature does in the make of the same kind of
substance , often vary her method in framing of it :
(HOOKE-E3-P2,158.40)

Instances enough to confirm this we may find in the Horns of several
creatures : as what a vast difference is there between the Horns of an
Oxe , and those of some sorts of Staggs as to their shape ?
(HOOKE-E3-P2,158.41)

and even in the hairs of several creatures , we find a vast difference
; as the hair of a man's head seems , as I said before , long , <font>
Cylindrical </font> and sometime a little <font> Prismatical </font> ,
solid or impervious , and very small ; (HOOKE-E3-P2,158.42)

the hair of an <font> Indian </font> Deer <paren> a part of the middle
of which is described in the third Figure of the fifth <font> Scheme
</font> , marked with F </paren> is bigger in compass through all the
middle of it , then the Brisle of an Hogg , (HOOKE-E3-P2,158.43)

but the end of it is smaller then the hair of any kind of Animal
<paren> as may be seen by the Figure G </paren> (HOOKE-E3-P2,158.44)

the whole belly of it , which is about two or three Inches long , looks
to the eye like a thread of course Canvass , that has been newly
unwreath'd , it being all wav'd or bended to and fro , much after that
manner , (HOOKE-E3-P2,158.45)

but through the <font> Microscope </font> , it appears all perforated
from side to side , and Spongie , like a small kind of spongy Coral ,
which is often found upon the <font> English </font> shores ;
(HOOKE-E3-P2,158.46)

but though I cut it transversly , I could not perceive that it had any
pores that ran the long-way of the hair : (HOOKE-E3-P2,158.47)

the long hairs of Horses CC and D , seem <font> Cylindrical </font> and
somewhat pithy ; (HOOKE-E3-P2,158.48)

the Brisles of a Cat B , are conical and pithy : (HOOKE-E3-P2,158.49)

the Quils of Porcupines and Hedghoggs , being cut transversly , have a
whitish pith , in the manner of a Starr , or Spur-rowel :
(HOOKE-E3-P2,158.50)

Piggs-hair <paren> A </paren> is somewhat <font> triagonal </font> ,
(HOOKE-E3-P2,158.51)

and seems to have neither pith nor pore : (HOOKE-E3-P2,158.52)

And other kinds of hair have quite a differing structure and form .
(HOOKE-E3-P2,158.53)

And therefore I think it no way agreeable to a true natural Historian ,
to pretend to be so sharp-sighted , as to see what a pre-conceiv'd
<font> Hypothesis </font> tells them should be there , where another
man , though perhaps as seeing , but not forestall'd , can discover no
such matter . (HOOKE-E3-P2,158.54)

But to proceed ; I observ'd several kind of hairs that had been Dyed ,
(HOOKE-E3-P2,158.55)

and found them to be a kind of horny <font> Cylinder </font> , being of
much about the transparency of a pretty cleer piece of Oxe horn ;
(HOOKE-E3-P2,158.56)

these appear'd quite <P_159> throughout ting'd with the colours they
exhibited . (HOOKE-E3-P2,159.57)

And $'t $is {TEXT:'tis} likely , that those hairs being boyl'd or
steep'd in those very hot ting'd liquors in the Dye-fat , And the
substance of the hair being much like that of an Oxes Horn , the
penetrant liquor does so far mollifie and soften the substance , that
it sinks into the very center of it , (HOOKE-E3-P2,159.58)

and so the ting'd parts come to be mix'd and united with the very body
of the hair , (HOOKE-E3-P2,159.59)

and do not <paren> as some have thought </paren> only stick on upon the
outward surface . (HOOKE-E3-P2,159.60)

And this , the boiling of Horn will make more probable ;
(HOOKE-E3-P2,159.61)

for we shall find by that action , that the water will insinuate it
self to a pretty depth within the surface of it , especially if this
penetrancy of the water be much helped by the Salts that are usually
mix'd with the Dying liquors . (HOOKE-E3-P2,159.62)

Now , whereas Silk may be dyed or ting'd into all kind of colours
without boiling or dipping into hot liquors , I ghess the reason to be
two-fold : (HOOKE-E3-P2,159.63)

First , because the filaments , or small cylinders of Silk , are
abundantly smaller and finer , and so have a much less depth to be
penetrated then most kind of hairs ; (HOOKE-E3-P2,159.64)

and next , because the substance or matter of Silk , is much more like
a Glew then the substance of Hair is . (HOOKE-E3-P2,159.65)

And that I have reason to suppose : First , because when it is spun or
drawn out of the Worm , it is a perfect glutinous substance , and very
easily sticks and cleaves to any adjacent body , as I have several
times observed , both-2 in Silk-worms and Spiders .
(HOOKE-E3-P2,159.66)

Next , because that I find that water does easily dissolve and mollifie
the substance again , which is evident from their manner of ordering
those bottoms or pods of the Silk-worm before they are able to unwind
them . (HOOKE-E3-P2,159.67)

It is no great wonder therefore , if those Dyes or ting'd liquors do
very quickly mollifie and tinge the surfaces of so small and so
glutinous a body . (HOOKE-E3-P2,159.68)

And we need not wonder that the colours appear so lovely in the one ,
and so dull in the other , if we view but the ting'd cylinders of both
kinds with a good <font> Microscope </font> ; (HOOKE-E3-P2,159.69)

for whereas the substance of Hair , at best , is but a dirty duskish
white somewhat transparent , the filaments of Silk have a most lovely
transparency and cleerness , the difference between those two being not
much less then that between a piece of Horn , and a piece of Crystal ;
the one yielding a bright and vivid reflection from the concave side of
the cylinder , that is , from the concave surface of the Air that
incompasses the back-part of the cylinder ; the other yielding a dull
and perturb'd reflection from the several <font> Heterogeneous </font>
parts that compose it . (HOOKE-E3-P2,159.70)

And this difference will be manifest enough to the eye , if you get a
couple of small Cylinders , the smaller of Crystal Glass , the other of
Horn , and then $varnish {TEXT:varnishing} them over very thinly with
some transparent colour , which will represent to the naked eye much
the same kind of object which is represented to it from the filaments
of Silk and Hair by the help of the <font> Microscope </font> .
(HOOKE-E3-P2,159.71)

Now , since the threads of Silk and Serge are made up of a great number
of these filaments , we may henceforth cease to wonder at the
difference . (HOOKE-E3-P2,159.72)

From much the same reason proceeds the vivid and lovely colours of
Feathers , wherein they very farr exceed the natural as well as
Artificial colours of hair , of which I shall say more in its proper
place . (HOOKE-E3-P2,159.73)

The Teguments indeed of creatures are all of them adapted to the
peculiar use and convenience of that Animal which they inwrap ; and
very <P_160> much also for the ornament and beauty of it , as will be
most evident to any one that shall attentively consider the various
kinds of cloathings wherewith most creatures are by Nature invested and
cover'd . (HOOKE-E3-P2,160.74)

Thus I have observed , that the hair or furr of those Northern white
Bears that inhabite the colder Regions , is exceeding thick and warm :
(HOOKE-E3-P2,160.75)

the like have I observ'd of the hair of a <font> Greenland </font> Deer
, which being brought alive to <font> London </font> , I had the
opportunity of viewing ; (HOOKE-E3-P2,160.76)

its hair was so exceeding thick , long and soft , that I could hardly
with my hand , grasp or take hold of his skin , (HOOKE-E3-P2,160.77)

and it seem'd so exceeding warm , as I had never met with any before .
(HOOKE-E3-P2,160.78)

And as for the ornamentative use of them , it is most evident in a
multitude of creatures , not onely for colour , as the Leopards , Cats
, Rhein deer ; &c . but for the shape , as in Horses manes , Cats
beards , and several other of the greater sort of terrestrial Animals ,
(HOOKE-E3-P2,160.79)

but is much more conspicuous , in the Vestments of Fishes , Birds ,
Insects , of which I shall by and by give some Instances .
(HOOKE-E3-P2,160.80)

As for the skin , the <font> Microscope </font> discovers as great a
difference between the texture of those several kinds of Animals , as
it does between their hairs ; (HOOKE-E3-P2,160.81)

but all that I have yet taken notice of , when tann'd or dress'd , are
of a Spongie nature , (HOOKE-E3-P2,160.82)

and seem to be constituted of an infinite company of small long <font>
fibres </font> or hairs , which look not unlike a heap of Tow or Okum ;
every of which <font> fibres </font> seem to have been some part of a
Muscle , and probably , whil'st the Animal was alive , might have its
distinct function , and serve for the contraction and relaxation of the
skin , and for the stretching and shrinking of it this or that way .
(HOOKE-E3-P2,160.83)

And indeed , without such a kind of texture as this , which is very
like that of <font> Spunk </font> , it would seem very strange , how
any body so strong as the skin of an Animal usually is , and so close
as it seems , whil'st the Animal is living , should be able to suffer
so great an extension any ways , without at all hurting or dilacerating
any part of it . (HOOKE-E3-P2,160.84)

But , since we are inform'd by the <font> Microscope </font> , that it
consists of a great many small filaments , which are implicated , or
intangled one within another , almost no otherwise then the hairs in a
lock of Wool , or the flakes in a heap of Tow , though not altogether
so loose ; but the filaments are here and there twisted , as $'t $were
{TEXT:twere} , or interwoven , and here and there they join and unite
with one another , so as indeed the whole skin seems to be but one
piece , we need not much wonder : (HOOKE-E3-P2,160.85)

And though these <font> fibres </font> appear not through a <font>
Microscope </font> , exactly jointed and contex'd , as in Sponge ; yet
, as I formerly hinted , I am apt to think , that could we find some
way of discovering the texture of it , whil'st it invests the living
Animal , or had some very easie way of separating the pulp or
intercurrent juices , such as in all probability fill those <font>
Interstitia </font> , without dilacerating , brusing , or otherwise
spoiling the texture of it <paren> as it seems to be very much by the
ways of tanning and dressing now us'd </paren> we might discover a much
more curious texture then I have hitherto been able to find ; perhaps ,
somewhat like that of Sponges . (HOOKE-E3-P2,160.86)

That of <font> Chamoise </font> Leather is indeed very much like that
of <font> Spunk </font> , save onely that the <font> filaments </font>
seem nothing neer so even and round , nor altogether so small ,
(HOOKE-E3-P2,160.87)

nor has it so curious joints as <font> Spunk </font> has , some of
which I <P_161> have lately discover'd like those of a Sponge ,
(HOOKE-E3-P2,161.88)

and perhaps all these three bodies may be of the same kind of substance
, though two of them indeed are commonly accounted Vegetable <paren>
which , whether they be so or no , I shall not now dispute </paren>
(HOOKE-E3-P2,161.89)

But this seems common to all three , that they undergo a tanning or
dressing , whereby the interspers'd juices are wasted and wash'd away
before the texture of them can be discover'd . (HOOKE-E3-P2,161.90)

What their way is of dressing , or curing Sponges , I confess , I $can
$not {TEXT:cannot} learn ; (HOOKE-E3-P2,161.91)

but the way of dressing <font> Spunk </font> , is , by boiling it a
good while in a strong <font> Lixivium </font> , and then beating it
very well ; (HOOKE-E3-P2,161.92)

and the manner of dressing Leather is sufficiently known .
(HOOKE-E3-P2,161.93)

It were indeed extremely desirable , if such a way could be found
whereby the <font> Parenchyma </font> or flesh of the Museles , and
several other pits of the $body , $might {TEXT:bod,_ymight} be wash'd ,
or wasted clean away , without vitiating the form of the <font> fibrous
</font> parts or vessells of it , (HOOKE-E3-P2,161.94)

for hereby the texture of those parts , by the help of a good <font>
Microscope </font> , might be most accurately found .
(HOOKE-E3-P2,161.95)

But to digress no further , we may , from this discovery of the <font>
Microscope </font> , plainly enough understand how the skin , though it
looks so close as it does , comes to give a passage to so vast a
quantity of <font> excrementitious </font> substances , as the diligent
<font> Sanctorius </font> has excellently observed it to do , in his
<font> medicina statica </font> ; (HOOKE-E3-P2,161.96)

for it seems very probable , from the texture after dressing , that
there are an infinit of pores that every way pierce it , and that those
pores are onely fill'd with some kind of juice , or some very pulpy
soft substance , and thereby the steams may almost as easily find a
passage through such a fluid <font> vehicle </font> as the vaporous
bubbles which are generated at the bottom of a Kettle of hot water do
find a passage through that fluid <font> medium </font> into the
ambient Air . (HOOKE-E3-P2,161.97)

Nor is the skin of animals only thus pervious , (HOOKE-E3-P2,161.98)

but even those of vegetables also seem to be the same ;
(HOOKE-E3-P2,161.99)

for otherwise I $can $not {TEXT:cannot} conceive why , if two sprigs of
Rosemary <paren> for Instance </paren> be taken as exactly alike in all
particulars as can be , and the one be set with the bottom in a Glass
of water , and the other be set just without the Glass , but in the Air
onely , though you stop the lower end of that in the Air very carefully
with Wax , yet shall it presently almost wither , whereas the other
that seems to have a supply from the subjacent water by its small pipes
, or <font> microscopical </font> pores , preserves its greenness for
many days , and sometimes weeks . (HOOKE-E3-P2,161.100)

Now , this to me , seems not likely to proceed from any other cause
then the <font> avolation </font> of the juice through the skin ;
(HOOKE-E3-P2,161.101)

for by the Wax , all those other pores of the stem are very firmly and
closely stop'd up . (HOOKE-E3-P2,161.102)

And from the more or less porousness of the skins or rinds of
Vegetables may , perhaps , be somewhat of the reason given , why they
keep longer green , or sooner wither ; (HOOKE-E3-P2,161.103)

for we may observe by the bladdering and craking of the leaves of Bays
, Holly , Laurel , &c . that their skins are very close , and do not
suffer so free a passage through them of the included juices .
(HOOKE-E3-P2,161.104)

But of this , and of the Experiment of the Rosemary , I shall elsewhere
more fully consider , it seeming to me an extreme luciferous Experiment
, such as seems indeed very plainly to prove the <font> Schematism or
structure <P_162> of Vegetables altogether <font> mechanical </font> ,
and as necessary , that <paren> water and warmth being apply'd to the
bottom of the sprig of a Plant </paren> some of it should be carried
upwards into the stem , and thence distributed into the leaves , as
that the water of the <font> Thames </font> covering the bottom of the
Mills at the Bridge foot of <font> London </font> , and by the ebbing
and flowing of it , $passing {TEXT:passsing} strongly by them , should
have some part of it convey'd to the Cesterns above , and thence into
several houses and Cesterns up and down the City .
(HOOKE-E3-P2,162.105)

<heading>

Observ. XXXIII . (HOOKE-E3-P2,162.107)

<font> Of the </font> Scales <font> of a </font> Soal , <font> and
other Fishes . </font> (HOOKE-E3-P2,162.108)

</heading>

Having hinted somewhat of the skin and covering of terrestrial Animals
, I shall next add an Observation I made on the skin and Scales of a
<font> Soal </font> , a small Fish , commonly enough known ;
(HOOKE-E3-P2,162.110)

and here in Fishes , as well as other Animals , Nature follows its
usual method , framing all parts so , as that they are both usefull and
ornamental in all its composures , mingling <font> utile </font> and
<font> dulce </font> together ; (HOOKE-E3-P2,162.111)

and both these designs it seems to follow , though our unassisted
senses are not able to peceive them : (HOOKE-E3-P2,162.112)

This is not-1 onely-2 manifest in the covering of this Fish only , but
in multitudes of others , which it would be too long to enumerate ,
(HOOKE-E3-P2,162.113)

witness particularly that small Sand Shell , which I mention'd in the
XI. Observation , and infinite other small Shells and Scales , divers
of which I have view'd . (HOOKE-E3-P2,162.114)

This skin I view'd , was flead from a pretty large <font> Soal </font>
, and then expanded and dry'd , (HOOKE-E3-P2,162.115)

the inside of it , when dry , to the naked eye , look'd very like a
piece of Canvass , (HOOKE-E3-P2,162.116)

but the <font> Microscope </font> discover'd that texture to be nothing
else , but the inner ends of those curious Scolop'd Scales I , I , I ,
in the second <font> Figure </font> of the XXI. <font> Scheme </font> ,
namely , the part of GGGG <paren> of the larger representation of a
single Scale , in the first <font> Figure </font> of the same <font>
Scheme </font> </paren> which on the back side , through an ordinary
single Magnifying Glass , look'd not unlike the Tyles on an house .
(HOOKE-E3-P2,162.117)

The outside of it , to the naked eye , exhibited nothing more of
ornament , save the usual order of ranging the Scales into a <font>
triagonal </font> form , (HOOKE-E3-P2,162.118)

onely the edges seem'd a little to shine , (HOOKE-E3-P2,162.119)

the finger being rubb'd from the tail-wards towards the head , the
Scales seem'd to stay and raze it ; (HOOKE-E3-P2,162.120)

But through an ordinary Magnifying glass , it exhibited a most
curiously carved and adorned surface , such as is visible in the second
<font> Figure </font> , each of those <paren> formerly almost
imperceptible </paren> Scales appearing much of the shape I , I , I ,
(HOOKE-E3-P2,162.121)

that is , they were round , and protuberant , and somewhat shap'd like
a Scolop , the whole Scale being creasd with curiously wav'd and
indented ridges , with proportionable furrows between ; each of which
was terminated with a very sharp transparent bony substance , which ,
like so many small Turnpikes , seem'd to arm the edges .
(HOOKE-E3-P2,162.122)

The back part KKK was the skin into which each of those Scales were
very deeply fix'd , in the curious regular order , visible in the
second <P_163> <font> Figure </font> . (HOOKE-E3-P2,163.123)

The length and shape of the part of the Scale which was buried by the
skin , is evidenced by the first <font> Figure </font> ; which is the
representation of one of them pluck'd out and view'd through a good
<font> Microscope </font> , namely , the part LFGGFL , wherein is also
more plainly to be seen , the manner of carving of the scolopt part of
every particular Scale , how each ridge or barr EEE is alternately
hollowed or engraven , and how every gutter between them is terminated
with very transparent and hard pointed spikes , and how every other of
these , as AAAA , are much longer then the interjacent ones , DDD .
(HOOKE-E3-P2,163.124)

The texture or form also of the hidden part appears ,
(HOOKE-E3-P2,163.125)

namely , the middle part , GGG , seems to consist of a great number of
small quills or pipes , by which , perhaps , the whole may be nourished
; (HOOKE-E3-P2,163.126)

and the side parts FF consist of a more fibrous texture , though indeed
the whole Scale seem'd to be of a very tough grisly substance , like
the larger Scales of other Fishes . (HOOKE-E3-P2,163.127)

The Scales of the skin of a Dog-fish <paren> which is us'd by such as
work in Wood , for the smoothing of their work , and consists plainly
enough to the naked eye , of a great number of small horny points
</paren> through the <font> Microscope </font> appear'd each of them
curiously ridg'd , and very neatly carved ; (HOOKE-E3-P2,163.128)

and indeed , you can hardly look on the scales of any Fish , but you
may discover abundance of curiosity and beautifying ; and not only in
these Fishes , but in the shells and crusts or armour of most sorts of
<font> Marine </font> Animals so invested . (HOOKE-E3-P2,163.129)

<heading>

Observ. XXXIV . (HOOKE-E3-P2,163.131)

<font> Of the Sting of a </font> Bee . (HOOKE-E3-P2,163.132)

</heading>

The Sting of a <font> Bee </font> , delineated in the second Figure of
the XVI. <font> Scheme </font> , seems to be a weapon of offence ,
(HOOKE-E3-P2,163.134)

and is as great an Instance , that Nature did realy intend revenge as
any , (HOOKE-E3-P2,163.135)

and that first , because there seems to be no other use of it .
(HOOKE-E3-P2,163.136)

Secondly , by reason of its admirable shape , seeming to be purposely
shap'd for that very end . (HOOKE-E3-P2,163.137)

Thirdly , from the virulency of the liquor it ejects , and the sad
effects and symptoms that follow it . (HOOKE-E3-P2,163.138)

But whatever be the use of it , certain it is , that the structure of
it is very admirable ; (HOOKE-E3-P2,163.139)

what it appears to the naked eye , I need not describe , the thing
being known almost to every one , (HOOKE-E3-P2,163.140)

but it appears through the <font> Microscope </font> , to consist of
two parts , the one a sheath , without a chape or top , shap'd almost
like the Holster of a Pistol , beginning at <font> d </font> , and
ending at <font> b </font> , (HOOKE-E3-P2,163.141)

this sheath I could most plainly perceive to be hollow , and to contain
in it , both a Sword or Dart , and the poisonous $liquor that causes
the pain . (HOOKE-E3-P2,163.142)

The sheath or case seem'd to have several joints or settings together ,
marked by <font> f g h i k l m n o </font> , (HOOKE-E3-P2,163.143)

it was arm'd moreover neer the top , with several crooks or forks
<paren> <font> p q r s t </font> </paren> on one side , and <paren>
<font> p q r f t u </font> </paren> on the other , each of which seem'd
like so many Thorns growing on a briar , or rather like so many Cat's
Claws ; (HOOKE-E3-P2,163.144)

for the crooks themselves seem'd to be little sharp transparent points
or claws , growing out of little <font> protuberancies </font> on
<P_164> the side of the sheath , which , by observing the Figure
diligently , is easie enough to be perceiv'd ; (HOOKE-E3-P2,164.145)

and from several particulars , I suppose the Animal has a power of
displaying them , and shutting them in again as it pleases , as a Cat
does its claws , or as an Adder or Viper can its teeth or fangs .
(HOOKE-E3-P2,164.146)

The other part of the Sting was the Sword , as I may so call it , which
is sheath'd , as it were , in it , the top of which <font> a b </font>
appears quite through at the smaller end , just as if the chape of the
sheath of a Sword were lost , and the end of it appear'd beyond the
Scabbard ; (HOOKE-E3-P2,164.147)

the end of this Dart <paren> <font> a </font> </paren> was very sharp ,
(HOOKE-E3-P2,164.148)

and it was arm'd likewise with the like Tenterhooks or claws with those
of the sheath , such as <paren> <font> v x y , x y z z </font> </paren>
(HOOKE-E3-P2,164.149)

these crooks , I am very apt to think , can be clos'd up also , or laid
flat to the sides of the Sword when it is drawn into the Scabbard , as
I have several times observ'd it to be , (HOOKE-E3-P2,164.150)

and can be spred again or extended when ever the Animal pleases . The
consideration of which very pretty structure , has hinted to me , that
certainly the use of these claws seems to be very considerable , as to
the main end of this Instrument ; for the drawing in , and holding the
sting in the flesh ; (HOOKE-E3-P2,164.151)

for the point being very sharp , the top of the Sting or Dagger <paren>
<font> a b </font> </paren> is very easily thrust into an Animal's body
, which being once entred , the Bee , by endeavouring to pull it into
the sheath , draws <paren> by reason of the crooks <paren> <font> v x y
</font> </paren> and <paren> <font> x y z z </font> </paren> which lay
hold of the skin on either side </paren> the top of the sheath <paren>
<font> t s r v </font> </paren> into the skin after it ,
(HOOKE-E3-P2,164.152)

and the crooks <font> t , s , </font> and <font> r , v </font> , being
entred , when the Bee endeavours to thrust out the top of the sting out
of the sheath again , they lay hold of the skin on either side ,
(HOOKE-E3-P2,164.153)

and so not onely keep the sheath from sliding back ,
(HOOKE-E3-P2,164.154)

but helps the top inwards , (HOOKE-E3-P2,164.155)

and thus , by an alternate and successive retracting and emitting of
the Sting in and out of the sheath , the little enraged creature by
degrees makes his revengfull weapon pierce the toughest and thickest
Hides of his enemies , in so much that some few of these stout and
resolute soldiers with these little engines , do often put to flight a
huge masty Bear , one of their deadly enemies , and thereby shew the
world how much more considerable in Warr a few skilfull Engineers and
resolute soldiers politickly order'd , that know how to manage such
engines , are , then a vast unweildy rude force , that confides in ,
and acts onely by , its strength . (HOOKE-E3-P2,164.156)

But <paren> to proceed </paren> that he thus gets in his Sting into the
skin , I conjecture , because , when I have observ'd this creature
living , I have found it to move the Sting thus , to and fro ,
(HOOKE-E3-P2,164.157)

and thereby also , perhaps , does , as $'t $were {TEXT:'twere} , pump
or force out the poisonous liquor , and make it hang at the end of the
sheath abouth in a drop . (HOOKE-E3-P2,164.158)

The crooks , I suppose also to be the cause why these angry creatures ,
hastily removing themselves from their revenge , do often leave these
weapons behind them , sheath'd , as $'t $were {TEXT:'twere} , in the
flesh , and , by that means , cause the painfull symptoms to be greater
, and more lasting , which are very probably caus'd , partly by the
piercing and tearing of the skin by the Sting , but chiefly by the
corrosive and poisonous liquor that is by this Syringe-pipe convey'd
among the sensitive parts thereof and thereby more easily gnaws <P_165>
and corrodes those tender <font> fibres : </font> As I have shewed in
the description of a Nettle and of Cowhage . (HOOKE-E3-P2,165.159)

<heading>

Observ. XXXV . (HOOKE-E3-P2,165.161)

<font> Of the contexture and shape of the particles of </font> Feathers
. (HOOKE-E3-P2,165.162)

</heading>

Examining several sorts of <font> Feathers </font> , I took notice of
these particulars in all sorts of wing-Feathers , especially in those
which serv'd for the beating of the air in the action of flying . That
the outward surface of the Quill and Stem was of a very hard , stiff ,
and horny substance , which is obvious enough , and that the part above
the Quill was filld with a very white and light pith ,
(HOOKE-E3-P2,165.164)

and , with the <font> Microscope </font> , I found this pith to be
nothing else , but a kind of natural <font> congeries </font> of small
bubbles , the films of which seem to be of the same substance with that
of the Quill , that is , of a stiff transparent horny substance . Which
particular seems to me , very worthy a more serious consideration ;
(HOOKE-E3-P2,165.165)

For here we may observe Nature , as $'t $were {TEXT:'twere} , put to
its shifts , to make a substance , which shall be both light enough ,
and very stiff and strong , without varying from its own establish'd
principles , which we may observe to be such , that very strong bodies
are for the most part very heavie also , a strength of the parts
usually requiring a density , and a density a gravity ;
(HOOKE-E3-P2,165.166)

and therefore should Nature have made a body so broad and so strong as
a Feather , almost , any other way then what it has taken , the gravity
of it must necessarily have many times exceeded this ;
(HOOKE-E3-P2,165.167)

for this pith seems to be like so many stops or cross pieces in a long
optical tube , which do very much contribute to the strength of the
whole , the pores of which were such , as that they seem'd not to have
any communication with one another , as I have elsewhere hinted .
(HOOKE-E3-P2,165.168)

But the Mechanism of Nature is usually so excellent , that one and the
same substance is adapted to serve for many ends .
(HOOKE-E3-P2,165.169)

For the chief use of this , indeed , seems to be for the supply of
nourishment to the downy or feathery part of the stem ;
(HOOKE-E3-P2,165.170)

for $'t $is {TEXT:'tis} obvious enough in all sorts of Feathers , that
$'t $is {TEXT:'tis} plac'd just under the roots of the branches that
grow out of either side of the quill or stalk , and is exactly shap'd
according to the ranking of those branches , coming no lower into the
quill , then just the beginning of the downy branches , and growing
onely on the under side of of the quill where those branches do so .
(HOOKE-E3-P2,165.171)

Now , in a ripe Feather <paren> as one may call it
{COM:missing_right_paren} it seems difficult to conceive how the <font>
Succus nutrituius </font> should be convey'd to this pith ;
(HOOKE-E3-P2,165.172)

for it $can $not {TEXT:cannot} , I think , be well imagin'd to pass
through the substance of the quill , since , having examin'd it with
the greatest diligence I was able , I could not find the least
appearance of pores ; (HOOKE-E3-P2,165.173)

but he that shall well examine an unripe or pinn'd Feather , will
plainly enough perceive the Vessel for the conveyance of it to be the
thin filmy pith <paren> as $'t $is {TEXT:tis} call'd </paren> which
passes through the middle of the quill . (HOOKE-E3-P2,165.174)

As for the make and contexture of the Down it self , it is indeed very
<P_166> rare and admirable , and such as I can hardly believe , that
the like is to be discover'd in any other body in the world ;
(HOOKE-E3-P2,166.175)

for there is hardly a large Feather in the wing of a Bird , but
contains neer a million of distinct parts , (HOOKE-E3-P2,166.176)

and every one of them shap'd in a most regular & admirable form ,
adapted to a particular Design : (HOOKE-E3-P2,166.177)

For examining a middle ciz'd Goose-quill , I easily enough found with
my naked eye , that the main stem of it contain'd about longer and more
Downy branchings upon one side , and as many on the other of more stiff
but somewhat shorter branchings . (HOOKE-E3-P2,166.178)

Many of these long and downy branchings , examining with an ordinary
<font> Microscope </font> , I found divers of them to contain neer
small leaves <paren> as I may call them , such as EF of the first
Figure of the 23. <font> Scheme </font> </paren> and as many stalks ;
(HOOKE-E3-P2,166.179)

on the other side , such as IK of the same Figure , each of the leaves
or branchings , EF , seem'd to be divided into about sixteen or
eighteen small joints , as may be seen plainly enough in the Figure ,
out of most of which there seem to grow small long <font> fibres
</font> , such as are express'd in the Figure , each of them very
proportionably shap'd according to its position , or plac'd on the
stalk EF ; those on the under side of it , namely , 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ,
6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , <font> &c. </font> being much longer then those
directly opposite to them on the upper ; (HOOKE-E3-P2,166.180)

and divers of them , such as 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , <font> &c.
</font> were terminated with small crooks , much resembling those small
crooks , which are visible enough to the naked eye , in the
seed-buttons of Bur-docks . (HOOKE-E3-P2,166.181)

The stalks likewise , IK on the other side , seem'd divided into neer
as many small knotted joints , but without any appearance of strings or
crooks , (HOOKE-E3-P2,166.182)

each of them about the middle K , seem'd divided into two parts by a
kind of fork , one side of which , namely , KL , was extended neer the
length of KI , (HOOKE-E3-P2,166.183)

the other , M , was very short . (HOOKE-E3-P2,166.184)

The transverse Sections of the stems of these branchings , manifested
the shape or figure of it to be much like INOE , which consisted of a
horny skin or covering , and a white seemingly frothy pith , much like
the make of the main stem of a Feather . (HOOKE-E3-P2,166.185)

The use of this strange kind of form , is indeed more admirable then
all the rest , and such as deserves to be much more seriously examin'd
and consider'd , then I have hitherto found time or ability to do ;
(HOOKE-E3-P2,166.186)

for certainly , it may very much instruct us in the nature of the Air ,
especially as to some properties of it . (HOOKE-E3-P2,166.187)

The stems of the Downy branches INOE , being rang'd in the order
visible enough to the naked eye , at the distance of IF , or somewhat
more , the <font> collateral </font> stalks and leaves <paren> if I may
so call those bodies I newly described </paren> are so rang'd , that
the leaves or hairy stalks of the one side lie at top , or are
incumbent on the stalks of the other , and cross each other , much
after the manner express'd in the second Figure of the 23. <font>
Scheme </font> , by which means every of those little hooked <font>
fibres </font> of the leaved stalk get between the naked stalks ,
(HOOKE-E3-P2,166.188)

and the stalks being full of knots , and a prety way dis-join'd , so as
that the <font> fibres </font> can easily get between them , the two
parts are so closely and admirably woven together , that it is able to
impede , for the greatest part , the transcursion of the Air ;
(HOOKE-E3-P2,166.189)

and though they are so exceeding small , as that the thickness of one
of <P_167> these stalks amounts not to a part of an Inch , yet do they
compose so strong a texture , as , notwithstanding the exceeding quick
and violent beating of them against the Air , by the strength of the
Birds wing , they firmly hold together . (HOOKE-E3-P2,167.190)

And it argues an admirable providence of Nature in the contrivance and
fabrick of them ; (HOOKE-E3-P2,167.191)

for their texture is such , that though by any external injury the
parts of them are violently dis-joyn'd , so as that the leaves and
stalks touch not one another , and consequently several of these rents
would impede the Bird's flying ; yet , for the most part , of
themselves they readily re-join and re-contex themselves ,
(HOOKE-E3-P2,167.192)

and are easily by the Birds stroking the Feather , or drawing it
through its Bill , all of them settled and woven into their former and
natural posture ; (HOOKE-E3-P2,167.193)

for there are such an infinite company of those small <font> fibres
</font> in the under side of the leaves , and most of them have such
little crooks at their ends , that they readily catch and hold the
stalks they touch . From which strange contexture , it seems rational
to suppose that there is a certain kind of mesh or hole so small , that
the Air will not very easily pass through it , as I hinted also in the
sixth Observation about small Glass Canes , (HOOKE-E3-P2,167.194)

for otherwise it seems probable , that Nature would have drawn over
some kind of thin film which should have covered all those almost
square meshes or holes , there seeming through the <font> Microscope
</font> to be more then half of the surface of the Feather which is
open and visibly pervious ; which conjecture will yet seem more
probable from the texture of the brushie wings of the <font> Tinea
argentea </font> , or white Feather wing'd moth , which I shall anone
describe . (HOOKE-E3-P2,167.195)

But Nature , that knows best its own laws , and the several properties
of bodies , knows also best how to adapt and fit them to her designed
ends , (HOOKE-E3-P2,167.196)

and whoso would know those properties , must endeavour to trace Nature
in its working , and to see what course she observes .
(HOOKE-E3-P2,167.197)

And this I suppose will be no inconsiderable advantage which the <font>
Schematisms </font> and Structures of Animate bodies will afford the
diligent enquirer , namely , most sure and excellent instructions ,
both as to the practical part of <font> Mechanicks </font> and to the
<font> Theory </font> and knowledge of the nature of the bodies and
motions . (HOOKE-E3-P2,167.198)

<heading>

Observ. XXXVI . (HOOKE-E3-P2,167.200)

<font> Of </font> Peacoks , Ducks , <font> and other </font> Feathers
<font> of changeable colours . </font> (HOOKE-E3-P2,167.201)

</heading>

The parts of the Feathers of this glorious Bird appear , through the
<font> Microscope </font> , no less gaudy then do the whole Feathers ;
(HOOKE-E3-P2,167.203)

for , as to the naked eye $'t $is {TEXT:'tis} evident that the stem or
quill of each Feather in the tail sends out multitudes of <font>
Lateral </font> branches , such as AB in the third Figure of the 23.
<font> Scheme </font> represents a small part of about 1$$32 part of an
Inch long , and each of the <font> lateral </font> branches emit
multitudes of little sprigs , threads or hairs on either side of them ,
such as CD , CD , CD , so each of those threads in the <font>
Microscope </font> appears a large long body , consisting of a
multitude <P_168> of bright reflecting parts , whose Figure $'t $is
{TEXT:'tis} no easie matter to determine , as he that examines it shall
find ; (HOOKE-E3-P2,168.204)

for every new position of it to the light makes it perfectly seem of
another form and shape , and nothing what it appear'd a little before ;
(HOOKE-E3-P2,168.205)

nay , it appear'd very differing ofttimes from so seemingly
inconsiderable a circumstance , that the interposing of ones hand
between the light and it , makes a very great change , and the opening
or shutting of a Casement and the like , very much diversifies the
appearance . (HOOKE-E3-P2,168.206)

And though , by examining the form of it very many ways , which would
be tedious here to enumerate , I suppose I have discover'd the true
Figure of it , yet oftentimes , upon looking on it in another posture ,
I have almost thought my former observations deficient , though indeed
, upon further examination , I have found even those also to confirm
them . (HOOKE-E3-P2,168.207)

These threads therefore I find to be a <font> congeries </font> of
small <font> Laminae </font> or plates , as <font> e e e e e , </font>
&c. each of them shap'd much like this of <font> a b c d </font> , in
the fourth <font> Figure </font> , the part <font> ac </font> being a
ridge , prominency , or stem , and <font> b </font> and <font> d
</font> the corners of two small thin Plates that grow unto the small
stalk in the middle , so that they make a kind of little feather ;
(HOOKE-E3-P2,168.208)

each of these Plates lie close to another , almost like a company of
sloping ridge or gutter Tyles ; (HOOKE-E3-P2,168.209)

they grow on each side of the stalk opposite to one another , by two
and two , from top to bottom , in the manner express'd in the fifth
Figure , the tops of the lower covering the roots of the next above
them ; (HOOKE-E3-P2,168.210)

the under side of each of these laminated bodies , is of a very dark
and opacous substance , (HOOKE-E3-P2,168.211)

and suffers very few Rays to be trajected , (HOOKE-E3-P2,168.212)

but reflects them all toward that side from whence they come , much
like the foil of a Looking-glass ; (HOOKE-E3-P2,168.213)

but their upper sides seem to me to consist of a multitude of thin
plated bodies , which are exceeding thin , and lie very close together
, and thereby , like mother of Pearl shells , do not onely reflect a
very brisk light , but tinge that light in a most curious manner ;
(HOOKE-E3-P2,168.214)

and by means of various positions , in respect of the light , they
reflect back now one colour , and then another , (HOOKE-E3-P2,168.215)

and those most vividly . (HOOKE-E3-P2,168.216)