The observations which I have now the honour to submit to the Society were made chiefly with the intent to endeavour to ascertain whether, in the instance of the egg of the common fowl, that which may be presumed to be vital action can for a while be arrested, and yet be capable of renewal. Whilst this was the main object kept in view in conducting the trials, a secondary one was to observe, however cursorily, the changes which take place in the contents of the egg when vital development has been prevented.