The CHAMÆLEON. By Wormius well described. Johnston's Figure, especially as to the feet, very false. A most curious one in Calceolarius. As also in Besler, saving that his eyes are drawn somewhat too little. Of the skin it may be noted, that 'tis every where rough, as it were, with little round blisters or knobs; on his Head and Back, greater; on his Legs, Sides and Belly, lesser; of the bigness of Silkworms Eggs. As also, that his hinder Feet are thicker than the fore-Feet: and the Heels or hinder Toes as long again, as the other; whereas in the fore-Feet, they are all of a length. The shape of his hinder Feet is therefore the better fitted to assist him in the climbing of Trees; the Heels being like strong Leavers to hoist him up. And the make of his Skin, for the changeableness of his Colours; which seems to depend on the falling or swelling of the said Knobs; whereby the light, receiving different Reflections, produceth different Colours. Of his Colours, saith Scaliger, (b) (b) Exercit. 196. Sect. 4. from the Observation of Joh. Landius, it is not so properly said, that they are chang'd, but only the several Species highten'd or deepen'd. He hath a long Tail, as a Lizard, but slenderer: which, (c) (c) Panarolus. as he descends from a Tree, he laps round about the Boughs, to keep himself from falling. His Feet also are all made where with to take fast hold.

Of the inward Parts, see the Philos. Trans. N. 49. But especially Dominicus Panarolus, who together with his Medicinal Observations, hath published the Description and Anatomy hereof. Amongst other particulars, the Muscular Membrane of the Eye, by which singly all those motions are perform'd, which in other Animals require six, and in some seven Muscules, is remarkable. As also the distinct continuation of the Optique Nerves from their Original to each Eye; whereby the uniform or conjunct motion of both his Eyes is not necessary, as in other Creatures; but he is able to move one upward or backward, and the other downward or forward, or any other way, at the same time. No less the fabrick of his Tongue; which being hollow from end to end, with a string running through the hollow, fasten'd behind to the Os hyoides, before to its extremity, it darts out and contracts it self in an instant: and with a Viscous substance at the end, catches the Prey, which are Flys and other Infects, as we use to do Birds with Limetwigs. Thus far Panarolus.

In the High-hoe, and other Birds of this kind, there is a peculiar Cystis, wherein a Viscous matter, like that above mention'd, is stored, and a Pipe deriving it thence into the Mouth; the Description whereof I may hereafter publish. I suppose therefore, that upon further examination, the like Contrivance will be found in a Chamæleon.

It may be noted, That Panarolus, about the beginning of his Description, calls the Chamæleon a slow Creature: Yet saith afterwards, (towards the end) that he climbs Trees so wonderfully swift, as if he flew. He is not therefore so properly slow, as perhaps sullen and humerous Humorous.

Bartholine (a) (a) Hist. Cent. 2. hath also the Anatomy of this Animal, but transcribes it all out of Panarolus. In one particular much forgets himself, saying about the beginning of his Discourse, that the Chamæleon hath very great Lungs; and in the end, that they are but little.