GENERAL OlllSMOLOGY. 1 1 



SECOND CHAPTER. 



GENERAL OlllSMOLOGY. 



14. 



THIS portion of Orismology has not the advantage of a consecutive 

 arrangement derived from the nature of the objects contemplated, for 

 it can be regarded only as consisting of a mass of equivalent ideas, with 

 their applicable and variable attributes. But the best arrangement 

 appears to be that of passing from the most general to the more partial 

 terms ; we have thought, therefore, but without wishing to prescribe it 

 as necessary, that the most agreeable mode would be to proceed from 

 the general form of parts to the differences of colour, clothing, size, 

 direction, &c. 



I. THE FORM. 



15. 



The differences of form may be considered, doubtlessly, as the most 

 multifarious throughout the whole class of insects ; it will not there- 

 fore surprise that this portion of Orismology is very rich in terms. But 

 even this very great diversity leads us to conclude that certain forms 

 are peculiar to a few organs only. All distinctions, therefore, which 

 have merely this restricted application, are necessarily excluded from 

 our immediate general consideration. 



16. 



If we take any part and contemplate it in its natural connexion with 

 the rest of the body, the following portions may be clearly distinguished 

 in it : 



BASE (basis), that portion whereby it is affixed to the body. 



APEX (apex), that which is opposed to the base. 



CONTOUR (peripheria), a portion whereof is the MARGIN (niargo). 

 According to its situation, this is distinguished into anterior margin, 

 that which is directed towards the head of the insect ; posterior margin, 

 that directed towards its tail ; and lateral margins, those intervening 

 between the anterior and posterior. 



