Picture - Cosmic Polymath

56 DESIGN IN NATURE
PLATE XXXV (continued)
Fig. 2. Sertularia fiUcula (after Dallas). A polype showing a radiating branching of parts and segmentation common in plants
and a large number of animals.
Fig. Z.—Eudendrium ramomm (after Dallas), magnified. A polype presenting a flower-like appearance and segmentation of stem.
Fig. 4.—Photograph of frost flower obtained from the frozen surface of the lake at Davos Platz in winter by Colonel Hume.
Shows striking resemblance to many crystals, to numerous plants and flowers, to various polypes, and to many radiating structures
in animals.
PLATE XXXVI
Plate xxxvi. illustrates radiating, branching, segmented, and spiral arrangements as seen in dendrites,
polypes, &c.
Fig. 1.— Photographs of three beautiful polypes.
A. Vevn c(n:aX[.me {Serhdaria filicula). B. Sea tamarisk (Dip/iasift tefiiarisca). C. Lobster horn coralline (^IrtferanM^aria 9'amosa).
These greatly resemble plants, display radiating, branching arrangements seen also in crystals (Plate ii.) ; dendrites (Plate xxxiv..
Figs. 1 and 4, and Fig. 2 of this Plate) ; nerve cells (Plate xxxviii., Fig. 4 ; Plate xxxix., Fig. 2) ; and other structures, such as bronchial
tubes, lilood-vesseLs, lymphatics, &c. (Plate xxxix.. Fig. 4). Photographed for the Author by George Rodger.
Fig. 2.—Photograph of dendrite of manganese oxide. !~iliows radiating, branching arrangement seen in electric sparks, hoarfrost
pictures, crystals, plants and animals, and parts thereof. From specimen in tlie Collection of Scottish Minerals in the Museum
of Science and Art, Edinburgh. Compare with Plate xxxv.. Pig. 1. Photographed for the Author by George Rodger.
Fig. 3.— Red coral {Goi-allium rubruin), (after Dallas). Shows branching, tree-like form observable in lightning flashes (Plate xxix.,
Figs. I and 2) ; in dendrites (Plate xxxiv.. Figs. 1 and 2 ; Plate xxxv., Pigs. 1 and 4, and Fig. 2 of this Plate) ; in crystals (Plate ii.) ;
in plants (Plate xlv.. Figs. 1, 2, and 3) ; and many branching animal structures, notably bronchial tubes and blood-vessels.
Fig, 4.—Pentacrinoid larva of the rosy feather star (Antedon bifida), (after Herbert Carpenter). Shows radiating, branching,
spiral, segmented arrangements. The rosy feather star presents a graceful, flower-like appearance which cannot fail to attract attention.
PLATE XXXVII
Plate xxxvii. illustrates binary and other forms of division and branching in Infusoria, as figured by W. Saville
Kent. It also shows how colonies of zooids strikingly resemble plants and flowers in general appearance.
Fig. 1.—Adult umbellate colony-stock or zoodendrium (Codosiga allioides), bearing numerous terminal clusters of associated collared
zooids, X 650. This colony-stock presents an exceedingly elegant branched appearance, and might readily be mistaken for a plant
in flower. The arrangement of parts points to a common law of development in plants and animals.
Fig. 2. -Two colony-stocks or polythecia {Pohjceca dichotoma), x 1000. Illustrates binary divi.sion or branching in low animal
forms.
Fig. 3.—Adult zooid {Monosiga angustata), x 2500, with nucleus, contracting vesicle, collar, flagellum, &c.
Pig. 4.—Adult zooid {Salinngoica ampulla) with fully-developed protecting covering or lorica, x 1250.
Fig. 5.—A more advanced condition of the same.
Fig. 6.—An Infusorian (Salpingaca minuta) with sarcode protruding. This figure illustrates the extraordinary power of changing
shape possessed by the lower animal forms. The collar has been retracted by a centripetal movement, and the animal has virtually
assumed a new shape.
Fig. 7.— Single form dividing by longitudinal fission. Here the bifurcation or division which is so common in plants and
animals, and parts thereof, is very well seen.
Pig. 8. Monosiga consociata with collar and flagellum in the extended (a) and retracted condition (i). In the latter case the
zooid is entering on the encysted state, x 1500. The retraction of the collar and flagellum by centripetal movements completely
alter the appearance of the zooid.
Pig. 9.—Spheroidal cluster of associated zooids (Codosiga botrytis) with one zooid detached, x 650 (Stein). Shows exnuisite
symmetrical, flower-like arrangement of parts.
Fig. 10.—Colony of three Codosiga grossularia with their collars conically contracted and with protruding pseudopodia, x 1000.
Illustrates the centripetal and centrifugal power possessed by zooids of changing shape. The sarcous elements of muscle possess
similar powers.
Fio. 11.—Colony-stock of Codosiga botrytis, revealing first traces of membranous collars, x 1000 (Frensenius).