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 Aflian, 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.” 
