This productive matter is composed of organic particles, always active, the motion and action of which are fixed by the inanimate parts of matter in general, and particularly by oily and saline bodies, but as soon as they are disengaged from this foreign matter, they retake their action, and produce different kinds of vegetations and other animated, beings. By the microscope, the effects of this productive matter may be perceived in the seminal liquors of animals of both sexes. The seed of the female viviparous animals is filtered through the glandular bodies which grow upon their testicles, and these glandular bodies contain a large quantity of seminal fluid in their internal cavities. Oviparous females have, as well as the viviparous, a seminal liquor, which is still more active than the viviparous. The seed of the female is in general like that of the male, when, they are both in a natural state: they decompose after the same manner, contain similar organic bodies, and they alike offer the same phenomena. All animal or vegetable substances include a great quantity of this organic and productive matter. To perceive it, we need only separate the inanimate parts in which the active particles of this matter are engaged. And this is done by infusing animal or vegetable substances in water. The salts will dissolve, the oils separate, and the organic particles will be seen by their putting themselves in motion. They are in greater abundance in the seminal liquors than in any other parts, or rather, they are less entangled by the inanimate parts. In the beginning of this infusion, when the flesh is but slightly dissolved, the organic matter is seen under the form of moving bodies, which are almost as large as those of the seminal liquors: but, in proportion as the decomposition augments, these organnic particles diminish in size and increase in motion; and when the flesh is entirely decomposed, or corrupted, these same particles are exceedingly minute, and their motion exceedingly rapid. It is then that their matter may become a poison, like that of the tooth of a viper, wherein Mr. Mead perceived an infinite number of small pointed bodies, which he took for salts, although they are only these same organic particles in a state of great activity. The pus which issues from wounds abounds with little insects, and it may take such a degree of corruption as to become one of the most subtle poisons; for every time this active matter is exalted to a certain point, which may be known by the rapidity and minuteness of the moving bodies it contains, it will become a species of poison. It is the same with the poison of vegetables. The same matter which serves to feed us when in its natural state, will destroy us when corrupted. Spurred barley, for instance, throws the limbs of men and animals into a gangrene who feed on it. It is also evident by comparing the matter which adheres to our teeth, which is the residue