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 



a Ps. civ. 29, 



