
are two species that deserve particular attention. The medical precepts of the Chinese will cer- 
tainly find few votaries in Europe, but as articles of medicine, amongst others, the Meloe Ci- 
chorei, which were the cantharides of the ancients, and are now used by the Chinese, may be of 
importance, as it possesses more virtues than the Meloe Vesicatorius used in our pharmacy: the 
Curculio regalis, Buprestis vittata, and many others, are also employed in articles of jewellery in 
the eastern parts of the world, and may vie with the richest gems in beauty and splendour. 
These observations we presumed to offer on the Entomology of China, in submitting the 
Design of this undertaking to the public. We have solicitously endeavoured to gratify the cu- 
riosity and expectation such observations were calculated to excite, and trust not altogether un- 
successfully. On the economical purposes of the Chinese Insects we can offer little except con- 
jectures; those may, however, assist the inquiries of future observers; and the general reader will 
not be disposed to regard it with less favour, if novelty and beauty supply the deficiency of useful 
information. It embraces, in one view, a variety of the most uncommon and brilliant species of 
that fertile region, portrayed in an elegant and faithful manner; and classically arranged accord- 
ing to the favourite system of Linneus. Thus, whilst our Epitome of the Chinese Insects ex- 
hibits a splendid display of this beauteous race, it may insensibly lead to a comprehensive survey 
of the system itself; and, by conveying instruction in its most pleasing form, facilitate the study 
of this charming, but much neglected science. 
From its commencement, the Author has been encouraged by the liberal attention of several 
persons, whose names would reflect honour on this undertaking, were he at liberty to mention 
them. He has already observed that his own collection includes several thousand specimens, 
collected by amateurs of the first celebrity». To this he may add, that every other collection he 
was desirous of consulting, has been kindly open to his inspection; and every information com- 
municated with a readiness that merits his warmest thanks. Amongst these, he cannot refrain 
noticing the valuable collection of Drawings and MSS before alluded to; the specimens of In- 
sects collected in the journey of his Excellency Earl MAcARTNEY, in the late embassy to 
China; and the very magnificent collections of Mr. FRAnciILLON and Mr. Drury, from 
both of whom he had unreserved permission to figure and describe whatever his own cabinet 
could not furnish. And, finally, he must own himself particularly indebted to the favours of the 
Right Hon. Sir J. Banks, Bart. K.B. whose invaluable cabinet and library have afforded him 
every assistance in completing his design, and for which he begs leave to testify his most grate- 
ful acknowledgments. 
East India Company, at Madras, and promises to be of future advantage to the commercial concerns of Great Britain. We 
have been unable to procure any of the Chinese Cochineal insects, and purposely omit that species which Sir G. Staunton has 
noticed, because it has no relation to the productions of China. 
b The late Duchess Dowager of Portland, Lunstall, Esq. Governor Holford, Smeethman, Ellis, Keate, Yeats, Forster, Baily, &c. &c. 


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