INSECTS EMPLOYED IN MEDICINE, OR AS 

 FOOD, AND OTHER INSECTS USEFUL 



TO MAN. 



of the most important insects, in a medical 

 point of view, is the beetle called Spanish 

 fly (Cantharides) y of which there are many 

 species, all dangerous poisons. They are 

 employed outwardly for their blistering and 

 exciting properties, and inwardly, for various dis- 

 orders, as an energetic stimulant. 



Their poisonous action manifests itself by violent 

 irritation of the membranes of the stomach and 

 intestines. The vesicatory or blistering property of 

 these beetles is owing to Cantharidine, a principle 

 extracted from them by Robiquet, and studied by 

 Gmelin. They contain also a peculiar volatile oil, 

 mentioned by Orfila, but of which little is yet 

 known, except that it appears to be this oil which 

 gives Cantharides their peculiar odour. 



Cantharidine crystallizes in small white crystals, 

 soluble in ether and boiling alcohol. This substance 

 is only capable of producing inflammation or blis- 

 tering ; the exciting or aphrodisiac action of Can- 



