Insect Geometry 



the structure asserts itself from the outset. 



Look again when the comb of the Polistes 

 or any Social Wasp that you please is more or 

 less advanced, when numbers of builders are 

 at work upon it. The cells at the edge, most 

 of them still incomplete, are free as regards 

 their outer halves. So far as this part is 

 concerned there is no contact with the preced- 

 ing row of cells; no limit is imposed; and 

 yet the hexagonal configuration appears as 

 plainly here as elsewhere. Let us abandon 

 the theory of mutual pressure: a single 

 glance of the least discernment contradicts it 

 flatly. 



Others, with more scientific, that is to say, 

 less intelligible ostentation, substitute for the 

 contact of the swollen peas the contact of 

 spheres which, with their intersections and 

 by virtue of an unseeing mechanism, lead to 

 the superb structure of the Bees. The theory 

 of an order emanating from an Intelligence 

 watchful over all things is, to their thinking, 

 a childish supposition ; the riddle of things is 

 explained by the mere potentialities of chance. 

 To these profound philosophers, who deny 

 the geometrical Idea Which rules the forms 

 of things, let us propound the problem of the 

 Snail. 



The humble mollusc coils its shell accord- 

 237 



