2 INTRODUCTION. 



form varies in the several orders of insects., and how far this transfor- 

 mation and change may extend without destruction to its identification. 

 This comprises, therefore, a summary of the essential purpose of the 

 science. The chief incentive to our study, and investigation, of natural 

 bodies in general, is the instinctive impulse of the human mind towards 

 progressive information, and the extension of the circle of its knowledge; 

 but, in this pursuit, a multiplicity of useful discoveries are made, which 

 are applicable to daily life, and which distinctly show the evident 

 advantages of the science, although their elicitation can never be consi- 

 dered the primary object of scientific research. The study of insects 

 will likewise be found rich in similar results, which I shall state in its 

 appropriate place. 



2. 



Thus, the Natural History of Insects falls into two great divisions 

 viz. the introductory, or general portion, and the particular, or systematic 

 Natural History of them. 



The former, or general division, acquaints us with insects with respect 

 to their exterior construction, and with regard to their interior organ- 

 isation ; it also instructs us of the various phenomena displayed by this 

 class of animals ; and lastly, developes the principle upon which insects 

 must be arranged, and naturally subdivided. The following divisions 

 are thence deduced: 



1. The ORISMOLOGY, generally called the Terminology *, which 

 contains the various technical terms used in explaining the perceptible 

 differences in the body of an insect, and at the same time acquaints 

 us with its exterior visible parts in the several periods of its existence, 

 until its full and perfect development. 



2. The ANATOMY, or, as it has been called, in reference to the 

 dissection of insects, ENTOMOTOMY, which acquaints us with their in- 

 ternal construction,' and with the form as well as texture of their organs. 



3. In their PHYSIOLOGY we learn the functions of these organs. 

 Besides which, it generalises the multifariously varied phenomena dis- 

 played by these animals, and re-examines, under a general view, those to 

 which we are accustomed to apply the name of instinct. 



* Kirby has introduced the term ORISMOLOGY in lieu of the hybrid compound 

 TBIIMINOLOGY, but which being derived from 'opiff^os (terminus, dejiitltio) should be 

 written Horismology. But as it is not unusual to reject the spiritus asper, we have 

 retained his orthography. 



