LETTER XLIV. 
DISEASES OF INSECTS. 
HAVING laid before you what observations I thought 
might sufficiently explain all the principal features of the 
Anatomy of insects both external and internal, you will 
next expect to be informed whether, like the higher ani- 
mals, they are subject to have the admirable order ob- 
servable in their frame interrupted by Disease ; and you 
will perhaps imagine, from the multiplicity of their or- 
gans and vessels, that they must be peculiarly exposed to 
derangements of the vital and other functions. That they 
have their diseases is certain ; but, except in the case of 
their appropriate parasitic assailants, which is a part of 
their economy, it does not appear that their maladies 
are more numerous and frequent than those of other 
animals. The same Almighty Power which endowed 
them with so complex a structure, generally upholds 
them in health during their destined career, until they 
have fulfilled the purpose of their creation, when they 
die and return again to their dust a . 
But perhaps I may seem to you as making too great 
a parade about these little insignificant creatures if I as- 
sign a separate letter to the consideration of their diseases : 
but when you recollect that Aristotle has a chapter on 
" ■ Ps. civ. 29. 
