^ Wing Veins of Insects. 63 



sion. I can only account for such a denial on the supposition that 

 Mr. Newman had not taken the trouble to consult the leading 

 authorities on the subject. 



But Mr. Newman further rejects the vein theory, because the 

 organs in question form a strong durable frame work supporting 

 a filmy membrane, like the paper on the frame of a kite, and 

 because certain profoundly-devised experiments of his own, such 

 as cutting the leading bars or rays of the frame across, and re- 

 moving the membrane itself from the frame-work, have taught him 

 (what every child who ever sent up a kite into the air would have 

 told him was self-evident), that the structure would net support 

 the object in the air if the frame of the kite were sent up without 

 paper, or if the chief bars of the frame were broken. Unques- 

 tionably, then, Mr. Newman's assertion, that these organs are in- 

 struments of support, is correct ; in fact, it has never been dis- 

 puted, but on the contrary affirmed by all writers ; but it does 

 not thence follow that the organs in question are not veins. An 

 electric wire is not less an electric wire because it is enveloped in 

 a gutta percha tube, and used as an electric telegraph wire. In 

 the construction of the wings of insects two objects were neces- 

 sary, a system of support and a system of circulation which re- 

 quired defence, and we see in the arrangement of these organs 

 one of the most admirable contrivances of a divine and omniscient 

 Creator which can be pointed out in the many marvellous pecu- 

 liarities of the insect frame. 



Having, however, arrived at the conclusion that the rays of an 

 insect's wing perform precisely the same functions as the bones of 

 a bat's wing, and that the wing of a butterfly is the exact analogue 

 of the wing of a bat, Mr. Newman seems to have been alarmed at 

 the result, and instead of employing for these organs the name of 

 any of the bones of the vertebrata (one of which, rib, or rippe, has 

 been long used for them by German Entomologists), he rejects 

 Dr. Leacli's term, pterygostea or wing-bones, and thinks " that 

 the simple word ray. Latinized by radius, will be found suffi- 

 ciently descriptive, and fortunately possesses another claim, that 

 of priority." 



I readily admit that if we knew nothing of the functions of 

 these organs, it would be very advisable to apply to them a name 

 which implies no known function, just as it is still advisable to 

 retain the name antennae in preference to that of feelers or ears. 

 but with positive physiological facts before us, 1 maintain that 

 we are fully justified in giving to these organs the name of 

 veins. 



