Note: The Fungi appear to have originated by degeneration
from various alg[ae], losing their chlorophyll on
assuming a parasitic or saprophytic life. By some they
are divided into the subclasses {Phycomycetes}, the
lower or algal fungi; the {Mesomycetes}, or
intermediate fungi; and the {Mycomycetes}, or the
higher fungi; by others into the {Phycomycetes}; the
{Ascomycetes}, or sac-spore fungi; and the
{Basidiomycetes}, or basidial-spore fungi.
Note: The fungi are all destitute of chorophyll, and,
therefore, to be supplied with elaborated nourishment,
must live as saprophytes or parasites. They range in
size from single microscopic cells to systems of
entangled threads many feet in extent, which develop
reproductive bodies as large as a man's head. The
vegetative system consists of septate or rarely
unseptate filaments called hyph[ae]; the aggregation of
hyph[ae] into structures of more or less definite form
is known as the mycelium. See Fungi, in the Supplement.
2. (Med.) A spongy, morbid growth or granulation in animal
bodies, as the proud flesh of wounds. --Hoblyn.
Note: The subdivisions have been variously arranged. The
following arrangement recognizes four classes: -- I.
{{Pteridophyta}, or {Vascular Acrogens}.} These include
Ferns, {Equiseta} or Scouring rushes, {Lycopodiace[ae]}
or Club mosses, {Selaginelle[ae]}, and several other
smaller orders. Here belonged also the extinct coal
plants called {Lepidodendron}, {Sigillaria}, and
{Calamites}. II. {{Bryophita}, or {Cellular Acrogens}}.
These include {Musci}, or Mosses, {Hepatic[ae]}, or
Scale mosses and Liverworts, and possibly
{Charace[ae]}, the Stoneworts. III. {{Alg[ae]}}, which
are divided into {Floride[ae]}, the Red Seaweeds, and
the orders {Dictyote[ae]}, {O["o]spore[ae]},
{Zo["o]spore[ae]}, {Conjugat[ae]}, {Diatomace[ae]}, and
{Cryptophyce[ae]}. IV. {{Fungi}}. The molds, mildews,
mushrooms, puffballs, etc., which are variously grouped
into several subclasses and many orders. The {Lichenes}
or Lichens are now considered to be of a mixed nature,
each plant partly a Fungus and partly an Alga.