Word: tardigrada
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Dehydration of animal life has long intrigued scientists. As early as 1776, an Italian, Abbe Spallanzani dried out microscopic rotifera and tardigrada, then brought them to life with water. But Spallanzani worried about the souls of his tiny experimental animals. Were they reborn or did entirely new souls develop after dehydration? He took his problems to caustic French Philosopher Voltaire, but got little help. If the rotifera and tardigrada regained life, Voltaire could see no reason why they should not acquire new souls. "The only thing I am really curious about," said he, "is, why does the Great Being grant...
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