Miscellanea Curiosa.

Now this Fecundation seems to be in the Vitellary, and not in the Uterus , as the Eggs pass along from day to day; for it can hardly be supposed that the Animalcles should subsist so long, being scattered loosely in the Uterus , as to wait there for many days for the Fecundation of the Eggs as they pass along. The latter Conjecture has this to strengthen it, that the Animalcles are found to live a considerable time in the Uterus ; and that if they should impregnate the Ova in the Ovary it self, the Fœtus would increase so fast, that the Ova could not pass through the Tubæ Uteri , but would either burst the Ovary, or fall down into the Abdomen from the Orifices of the Tubæ ; and that from hence proceed those extraordinary Conceptions in Abdomine extra Uterum . But, 4. Mr. Leewehoeck , Numb. 147. of the Transact. to weaken the third Consideration about the Conceptions, being like unto an Ovum in the Womb, proposes a Parallel between these Animalcles and Insects; and insinuates, that as the latter cast their Skins, and appear of another Shape, so the other which at first seem like Tadpoles, may cast their outer Skin, and then be round; and that this may be the occasion of the round Figure of the Conception in the Womb. To this it may be replied, that according to Mr. Leewenhoeck 's own Sentiment, the Animalcles cannot come forward, if they do not find the Punctum or proper place for their Nourishment, to which it seems they must have some Adhæsion . Now the Conception in Viviparis is not fastned unto the Womb for many days, nor does adhere to any point of it; so that it seems this roundish Body is not the Animalcle thus chang'd after having cast an outer Skin, but is rather the Cicatricula or little Egg, into which the Animalcle has entred as its Punctum or place of nourishment; else I do not see why they should not be