6 PREFACE. 



by the generality of persons considered insignificant and unworthy 

 of regard. If apology for this be necessary, he presents it in the 

 words of Samuel Purchas: — " Nicostratus in ./Elian, finding a 

 curious piece of wood, and being wondered at by one, and asked 

 what pleasure he could take to stand, as he did, still gazing on the 

 picture, answered, « Hadst thou mine eyes, my friend, thou wouldst 

 not wonder, but rather be ravished, as I am, at the inimitable art 

 of this rare and admirable piece.' I am sure no picture can ex- 

 press so much wonder and excellency as the smallest insect, but we 

 want Nicostratus his eyes to behold them. 



" And the praise of God's wisdom and power lies asleep and dead 

 in every creature, until man actuate and enliven it. I cannot, 

 therefore, altogether conceive it unworthy of the greatest mortals 

 to contemplate the miracles of Nature; and that as they are more 

 visible in the smallest and most contemptible creatures (for there 

 most lively do they express the infinite power and wisdom of the 

 great Creator), and erect and draw the minds of the most intelligent 

 to the first and prime Cause of all things ; teaching them as the 

 power, so the presence, of the Deity in the smallest insects." 



