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The anatomy of plants

Chapter 75: CHAP. I.
By Nehemiah Grew
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About This Book

This work presents a systematic, observational study of plant structure and function, describing the internal organization of seeds, roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds as revealed by close inspection and a microscope. It maps tissues and organs, explains the movement of sap and air, and analyses the generation and distribution of plant fluids and substances such as milks, oils, and salts. Additional lectures examine leaf and flower anatomy, coloration, tastes, and soluble salts, and the text includes comparative tables and explanatory notes to support a mechanical and physiological account of vegetation.

THE
ANATOMY
OF
FLOWERS.

PART II.

CHAP. I.

Of the EMPALEMENT.

NEXT proceed to the Flower. Where I intend not to repeat those things, which have been by Me already noted in the First Book. Ch. 5. And the foregoing Discourse of Leaves, will excuse me from divers particulars, common to These and the Flower. I shall here therefore remarque some things not before mentioned, or but in transitu, and such as are more particular to the Flower.

2. §. And First, it may be noted; That where the Leaves of the Flower are few; those of the Empalement or Green Border, are either of the same Number, or just half as many, whether even, or odd. So in Leucanthenum and Chickweed, there are Five Leaves; in the former Five Empalers; in the latter, Ten. In Great Celandine, there are Four Leaves, and but Two Empalers; and so in Poppy. The Arithmetick of Nature being every where suitable to Her Geometry.

3. §. Of this Part of the Flower it is likewise observable, That it is rarely, if ever, entire or one piece, but parted into divers little Leafy Pales, especially in all Flowers with the Florid Attire, as of Marigold, Daisy and the like; being so numerous, as to make a Double, and often a Treble, Quadruple or Quintuple Border. Whereby they are aptly designed, not only to protect the Leaves of the Flower in the Bud; and after their Expansion, to keep them tite: but also, by receding, Bredthways, one from another, and so making a greater Circle, gradually to give way for the full Growth and safe spreading of the Attire. Which, in regard it consists of Parts so exquisitely tender, were it pinched up too close, would be killed or spoyled before it came to the Birth. As Teeming Women, gradually slaken their Laces; or as Taylors use to split their Stomachers into several Lappets, to spread, as their Belly rises.

4. §. Nor is the Posture of the Parts in the Empalement less suitable: not being filed one just over another, but alternately. Whereby the Pales or Pannicles of every Under-Order, serve to stop up the gaps made by the Recess of the Upper. And so, notwithstanding they all make more roome, yet all conspire to keep the Aer out.

5. §. It is also worth the notice, That, for the same purpose, the Edges at least, of the several Pales, are neither Fibrous, nor Pulpy; but so many extream fine transparent Skins, as in Chamemile. Whereby they close so exactly one over another, that it is impossible for any Aer to creep in, or any Steams useful to the Attire or Seed, over hastily to perspire. As we use, when we have put a Cork into a Bottle, to tie a Bladder over it.