The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1867-03-20
From the Hamilton &C.. W. Times.l
SPONTANEOUS GENERA.
TION.
Startling lllSssrntien Of the Darwin
Inn Theory Of Animal Life.

Inn IuGory Oh huthuut
The theory of Professor Darwin, that
all animal life has its origin in the
primary cell, and that its variety only
presents the different stages of develope-
nent, from the lowest orders to, the
most perfect creatiOn-man, has been
apparently sustained by startling e1-
ample in this city, which will be likely
to engage high degree Of attention by
the scientific world. During last fall,
Mr.. Charles Motzer, u German citizen,
residing on Bay street, put up a large
quantity of his favoEite article of diet,
known as sauer kroat, in the prepara-
tion of which he tested the efficacy of a
receipt suggested by friend. The ex-
pertinent proved failure, as the intro
Iductiou of some description of alkali
had the effect of reducing the cabbage
into q mash, and causing strong TO.
naentation, rendering the commodity
entirely unfit for use as an article OF
diet. The mixture was left standing in
the cellar undisturbed until Thursday
last, when a curious circumstance led
to an examination of the tubs in which
it was deposited, resulting in a most
wonderful discovery.
On the day mentioned q cat emerged
from the cellar into Mr.. Motzer's kitch-
ell, having in custody large reptile OF
the lizard species, which wriggled viO-
lently and seemed extremely tenacious
of life. Mr.. Motzer at once proceeded
to the cellar and found some dozen OF
more of the same description of reptiles,
which were exceedingly lively and
sought to secrete themselves under
boards, etc, on the approach of light.
While prospecting about for the source
of these strange creatures, the tubs In
which the sauer kraut had been depos-
tied were examined. and presented a
sight truly startling. The substance
had been Transformed into mass of life
and animation, and the curious reptiles
were observed in every stage of devel-
opnent. The smallest specimens were
about two inches in length, and seemed
to be acquiring the least degree of ami
nation. Of these, the bodies were
quito transparent, with slight yellow
ish tinge, and about the consistency OF
jelly. Specimens in more advanced
stage assumed pink hue, with bodies
more opaque. The fully developed rep
tiles measured from six to eight, and
even ten inches in length, their bodies
being hard and fleshy, of brilliant
crimson color.
The back deepens into black line
from the head to the tip of the tail,
while the body 10 of . delicate pink,
merging into white, The form of the
animal Is said 10 be very similar to the
chameleon, having four legs, with indi-
cations of claws, and its movement is
very lively. The eyes are sharp aud
serpent-hke, and surrounded with
yellowish ring emerging into black: Sew
eral specimens have been secured by O
medical gentleman, and preserved in
spirits. A microscopic examination
shows fine coating Of scales, and ser
ried formation of the back and tail
Mr.. Motzer still allows the tubs
to remain undisturbed, and is
watching the progress of the curious
freak of nature, it being evident that
the entire stock Of dainty commodity
which was intended to support his Ia
BILE through the winter, will ultimately
take to itself legs, if not wings, and
travel off on its own account, In which
action the kingdom of reptalia is aug
mented by another very interesting
species, if the climate of Canada will
permit of its propagation. This remark
able. case presents a grave warning tt
the consumers Of sdWer kraut, to take
great care that its preparation is mo-
congenial to the generation of anima
life, else q malady more fearful than tn,
trichina spiralis may yet be engeudered