Oil Medical EnfoinologT/. €38 



have several traits of resemblance with the nsuroptera, aiid 

 are distinguished by the name of hi/meneptera. 



The sixth order is composed of the diptera, or insects 

 with two wings. 



The seventh order contains the apfera, or insects without 

 wings. 



FIRST ORDER. 



COLEOPTERA. 



ScARABEUS — The Beetle. — Of the numerous species of 

 this genus, those are most useful which live in dunghills- 

 and feed on excrements. Of this kind are the JimetariuSf 

 ihe stercorarius, the pilularkts, and co?ispi(rcotii.s. If eight 

 ounces of these insects be digested in a pound of laurel oil, 

 there will be obtained an ointment, or oil of beetles, the use 

 of which is recommended in the treatment of sprains and 

 contusions. If the virtues of this preparation be not en- 

 tirely imaginary, I think they are verv little superior to 

 those of oil of laurel, the inutility of which is now univer- 

 sally admitted. 



CocciNELLA — The Lady-lvd. — ^Thesc small insects are 

 distinguished by the form of their body, which is hemi- 

 spherical. Their thorax, as well as their elytra, which are 

 smooth, is ornamented with beautiful colours, and often, 

 spotted or striped. Their aiitennte are truncated, and termi- 

 nated by a solid mass. They are less apparent than the 

 maxillary feelers. 



It is pretended that several species of cor.cinella, and 

 particularly those with seven points, are a specific for the 

 toothache. It is sufficient, it is said, to bruise the insect 

 between the fingers, and to touch with them the gums and 

 tooth of tlie patient. What is most wonderful is, that the 

 fingers retain their anti-odontalgic property. Does not 

 this ridiculous process bring to remembrance the cure of the 

 king's-evil by the simple touch of kings and emperors, the 

 magnetism of Mesmer, the metallic tractors of Perkins, and 

 other juggling tricks, which are a disgrace to the noblest of 

 sciences ? 



Chrysomela — ChrysoTnclu. — The same virtue is ascribed 

 to some of the Chrysomelae, and particularly that of the 

 poplar, but with as little foundation. 



Curculio — The IVvetiih — ^\Ve were acquainted with 

 this insect only from its ravages {C. fnimentarius, graria- 

 rim, paraplecticus), till Ranieri-(jtrl')i published a very 

 verbose and turgid description of a new species, to which 

 he gave llie title of Curculio anti-(uh^ntulgicus. 'J'he thistle 



whieh 



