Nashville union and dispatch. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1866-1868, 1867-03-12
SPONTANEOUS GENERATION
STARTLING illustration Of the DarH iu-
Ian Theory of Animal Life.


lam Theory of Animal Life.
From the Hamilton &c W. Times
The theory OF Professor Darwin that all
animal life has It's origin in the primary
cell, and that its variety only presents the
different stages Of development, from the
lowest orders 10 the most perfect creation,
man, has been apparently sustained by a
startling example in this city, which will
be likely to engage in high degree the
attention of the scientific During last fall
Mr. Charles Motzer, German citizen re-
siding on Bay street, put up q large quanti
ty Of his favorite article Of diet, known as
sauer kraut ia the preparation of which
he tested the efficacy Of receipt suggested
TO him by friend. The experiment proved
failure, as the introduction of some de-
scription of alkali had the effect Ofreducing
the cabbage into a mash and causing q
strong fermentation, rendering the eOmmodi-
ty entirely unfit for Hse asan 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 il was deposited, re-
sulting in a most wonderful discovery. On
the day mentioned a cat emerged from the
cellar into Mr.. Motzer's kitchen, having in
custody large reptile OF the lizard species,
which wriggled violently, and seemed ex-
tremely tenacious Of life. Mr.. Moizer at
dozen or more Of the same description of
reptiles, which were exceedingly lively,
and sought TO secret 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 deposited were ex-
amined, and presented a sight truly
startling. The substance had been trans
formed into a mass of life and animation,
and the curious reptiles were observed in
every stage Of development. The smallest
specimens were about two inches in length,
and seemed to he acquiring the least degree
Of animation. OF these, the bodies were
quite Transparent, with slight yellowish
tinge, and about the consistence of ielly
Specimens in more advanced stage
assumed a pink hue, with bodies more
Opaque The fully developed reptiles
measured from six to eight, and even ten
inches in length, with bodies hard and
fleshy, of a brilliant crimson color The
back deepens into a black line from the
head to the tip of the tail, while the belly is
Of a delicate pink, merging into white The
form of the reptile is said to be very
similar to the chameleon, having four legs
with indications Of claws and its move
ments are very lively. The eyes are sharp
and serpent-like, and surrounded with q
yellOwish ring, merging into black
Several specimens have been secured by a
medical gentleman, and are preserved in
spirits. A microscopic examination shows
a fine coating Of scales, and serried forma-
tion 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 the dainty commodity,
which was intended to supply his table
through the winter, will ultimately take to
itself legs, if not wings, and travel of on its
own account, in which action the kingdom
Of reptalia is augmented by another very
interesting species, if the climate ol Canada
will permit its preparation This re
markable case presents grave warning to
consumers of sauer Graut. t5 lab great care
that its preparation is nos csly yenial 70 the
generation of animal life else maiady
more fearful than the uiahin4 =puaiI- ns}
vet be- enf..f.i .sA