INTUODrCTIOX. ig 



sist at particular seasons. The honey of bees, in many warm climates 

 constitutes another primary article of food. The caterpillars of sevcril 

 moths furnish materials for the silken raiment so universally worn by 

 all ranks in the eastern parts of the worl.l; and hence in these coun- 

 tries the silky produce of these industrious little animals is of as much 

 use as the fleecy coat of the sheep is to us. As an ubject of traffic 

 silk is one of the utmost importance in China and Tartary and in 

 those parts paper is manufactured from the refuse of the sa'me matc- 

 rial. The extensive use of wax in all ages is well known. Some in- 

 sects are used with success in medicine; and many others (the cochi- 

 neal for instance) are rendered useful in the arts: and greater nurn- 

 bers might perhaps be employed for the same purpose. These few 

 out of a vast many instances, are sutlicient to prove the absurdity of an 

 opinion very prevalent, " that insects are too insignificant to deserve 

 the attention of the philosopher." But allowing these benefits to be 

 unknown, and that the study of Entomolo-v is not productive of any 

 substantial advantages, how absurd would it still be to treat such an 

 extensive portion of the creation with neglect! The objection, that they 

 are in nowise conducive to our interests (even if founded in truth) 

 would be no evidence of the frivolity of the science; unless we are to 

 conclude, that the only inquiries which merit our rational attention 

 are those which tend to the gratification of .selfishness. If this be ad- 

 mitted as an objection, how many objects of philosophical invcstic^ 

 tion must be rejected as frivolous! From the earliest period in whfch 

 tlie light of natural knowledge dawned, this class of animals has ob- 

 tained a certam portion of attention : and although the study has not 

 at all times been cultivated with equal ardour, yet it has not been ut- 

 terly neglected but has engaged the .study of men endowed with ta. 

 Jents as splendid, and judgement as refined, as the most exalted of those 

 wiio attect to ti-eat it with contempt. 



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