Part 2

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_.