Essays on the Microscope Containing a Practical Description of the Most Improved Microscopes, a General History of Insects, etc., etc. (part 4 of 4)

Essays on the Microscope Containing a Practical Description of the Most Improved Microscopes, a General History of Insects, etc., etc. (part 4 of 4)

The eyes of insects are singularly constructed, but this structure is not discoverable without the assistance of the microscope; the eyes of the libellula are hexagonal, see Plate XVI. Fig. 3, and their description in page 195; those of the lobster are square, as exhibited in Fig. 5 of the same plate, and described in page 197.

The hair of animals, as the mouse, goat, large bee, and many species of caterpillars, particularly the tufts on the head and tail of the larva of the phalæna antiqua, offer many beauties to the curious observer. The bristles of a hog, cut transversely, appear tubular, and the root of hair is evidently bulbous.

The muscular fibres, and every anatomical preparation that can be brought under the microscope, are pleasing objects; the reader will meet with many curious and interesting observations on the hairs, the muscles, nerves, and other parts of the human body, in Fontana’s Treatise on the Venom of Vipers.

The legs of all insects appear very much diversified, and their mechanism truly astonishing, according with their different occupations, as particularized in pages 210-212.

Scales of fish, as soles, roach, dace, salmon, eels, &c. as also the scales of snakes, lizards, &c. &c. Specimens of scales are given in Plates X. and XIX. The scales form a light, but at the same time a solid and smooth covering to the fish; they hinder the fluid from penetrating the body, for which purpose they are laid in a kind of natural oil; they serve also as a protection, and break the force of any accidental blow, which may be the reason why river-fish have larger and stronger scales than sea-fish, being more liable to accidents.

The purple tide of life, nay the very globules of the blood, may be seen distinctly rolling through veins and arteries smaller than the finest hair.[151]

[151] The manner of viewing the particles of the blood has been described in p. 149, together with some remarks on their form, by our author. It was not my intention to have renewed the subject; but a chirurgical treatise having been lately published by Everard Home, Esq. F. R. S. in which it appears that he has paid particular attention towards investigating these minute particles, and ascertaining their true form, I shall here subjoin an abstract.

“As the result of microscopical experiments has been found exceedingly fallacious, a prejudice has very naturally arisen against all experiments of this kind upon the secretions of the human body, from a supposition that they are not to be depended upon. But it is right that we should discriminate, and not condemn the use of the microscope altogether, because from ignorance of its principles it has been misapplied; since these very deceptions have been the means of our acquiring a more accurate knowledge of the use and application of that instrument.

“The errors in the use of the microscope have arisen from increasing the magnifying powers of the glasses too much, and not taking in all the circumstances relating to the refraction of the rays of light, making no allowance for the aberration. An attention to the aberration alone will explain the different appearances under which the red globules of the blood have been represented. Some have found them perfect spheres, which will always be the case when the glasses are perfectly adjusted, and the object placed at the true focal distance. Others have found them annular, from the object being at the focal distance of the rays transmitted near the circumference of the magnifying glass, which are refracted in a greater degree, and consequently shorter than the central rays. Others, again, have viewed them as flattened bodies of a circular figure, bright in the center, and becoming darker towards the edges; which appearance arises from the object being at the focal distance of the central rays of the magnifying glass, which will be less refracted than those near the circumference. Although such are the errors which arise, when microscopical researches are pushed beyond certain bounds; yet, that the red part of the blood is made up of globules, is a discovery for which we are indebted to the microscope, and which seems to be as well ascertained as any discovery in anatomy or physiology. The appearances of pus are equally distinct, when examined on the field of a microscope, as the globules of the blood; they are visible with a small degree of magnifying power, and are the same to the eyes of different persons.” EDIT.

Feathers, and parts of feathers of birds, are not to be passed by or unnoticed; but it is impossible to point out any of these in preference to others, as each has its peculiar beauties; the plumulæ of these have generally in the microscope the appearance of large feathers; the pith contained in the quill, if cut transversely and examined, exhibits an admirable reticular texture. Many other parts of birds will afford a great variety of curious objects, particularly the egg: Mr. Martin says, that the internal spongy substance of bones may be better observed in those of birds, than of any other animal; even the feathers or scales of a moth’s wing amply repay the observer; these also vary in their texture and figure; but the largest and most commonly applied, are from the body of the sphinx stellatarum, or humming-bird moth; a specimen is given in Plate XVI. Fig. E F H I.

Transverse sections of all kinds of wood, especially those of a pithy or soft nature, form some of the most delightful objects for the microscope; among these, the section of fern root will be found strikingly curious, from the singular disposition of the air and sap vessels; their beauty will be seen by the figures in Plates XXVIII. XXIX. and XXX.

Flowers, whose brilliancy and variety constitute one of the principal beauties of nature, each being distinguished from the rest by some peculiar beauty or shining character.

The flowers of most grasses, with all the varieties of mosses; the farina of flowers; mouldiness, which evidently appears to vegetate; all the kinds of sponge; sea-weeds; particularly the confervæ, which are jointed like a cane. The extensive family of corallines present an elegant appearance; the most beautiful are the sea hair, sea fir, sickle, fox tail, &c. described by Ellis.

Dissected leaves, which shew the fibres and nerves; the human intestine injected with wax is a fine object; as are many other anatomical preparations. The seed of the silver-rind birch appears like an insect; seed of the quaking grass is also much admired, as is the leaf which covers the seed of sorrel. Among artificial productions, the edge of a razor, and point of a fine needle, as also fine cambrick, evidently discover the inferiority of the workman; particles from the collision of flint and steel; wire melted by the electric explosion, and other articles innumerable.

Besides these, there is an immense variety of objects which can only be satisfactorily examined alive, such as polypes, minute aquatic insects; animalcula of various infusions, as eels in paste, vinegar, &c. The eyes and teeth of snails; the circulation of the blood in the tails of fishes, &c.[152]

[152] Those who possess leisure, particularly such who reside in the country, may easily procure the major part of the preceding objects, and also add an extensive variety to them; but those who have not the opportunity of collecting for themselves, may be supplied with objects in considerable variety by application to Messrs. Jones. EDIT.

CHAP. XI.

AN ARRANGEMENT AND DESCRIPTION OF MINUTE AND RARE SHELLS.--A DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF A VARIETY OF VEGETABLE SEEDS, AS THEY APPEAR WHEN VIEWED BY THE MICROSCOPE. BY THE EDITOR.

Notwithstanding the abundance of objects which have from time to time afforded delight to the attentive and diligent microscopic observer, little doubt can be entertained but that amidst the immense variety of minute shells, as well as the seeds of vegetables, numbers remain unexplored, though highly meriting notice.

With the hope of exciting the attention of the curious toward these subjects, and affording hints to those who may happily possess inclination, together with leisure and opportunity to pursue the inquiry, I shall enumerate to the reader a few specimens of each of these admirable productions of nature; towards the elucidating of which, very little, comparatively, has as yet been done.

As far as my knowledge extends, the first author who has treated on the subject of minute and rare shells, is Plancus, who published a treatise in quarto, at Venice, in the year 1739, with the title “De Conchis Ariminensibus minus notis;” a third and improved edition of which appeared in 1760. It is a very curious and learned work, containing a natural history of testaceous animals of Rimini, an Italian town situated on the Adriatic shore; and more particularly of minute nautili.

In the year 1784, Mr. Walker of Faversham published in quarto a collection of minute shells, which was the joint production of himself and William Boys, Esq. F. S. A. of Sandwich, in Kent, assisted by the late Edward Jacob, Esq. F. S. A. It contains an arrangement and concise description of ninety shells, accompanied with neatly engraved figures of the whole series; the greater part of them as well in their magnified state, as that in which they appear to the naked eye. Specimens of those which are esteemed most curious and rare, I have selected from this work: a reference to the original will afford the reader more complete satisfaction, and possibly animate him to further pursuits.

This publication appeared in so favourable a light to that eminent patron of science, Sir Joseph Banks, that I should accuse myself of unjustifiable remissness, were I to neglect this opportunity of introducing an extract from the copy of a letter addressed by him to the late Mr. Jacob, which is now in my possession.

“We” (the Royal Society) “are all much obliged to you for the pains you have taken in bringing this work to light. Natural history is, I am convinced, more benefited by a thin volume of real new facts, which is the case in yours, than by a folio of comments generally written by those who mean to receive praise, more founded on the elegance with which they express the ideas they conceive, than on any prospect of utility to be derived from the ideas themselves. From such naturalists, De Buffon, &c. good Lord deliver our honest science.”

That truly amiable, and no less intelligent lady, the late Duchess Dowager of Portland, likewise expressed her approbation of the work in a letter to Mr. Boys.

By this publication, a number of shells, heretofore unknown, are added to the British conchology, sufficient to shew that the path is now laid open and made easy of access to inquisitive naturalists in different parts of the kingdom for still greater discoveries. Indeed, it is rather extraordinary, that the authors of this country, who have so advantageously applied the microscope to a variety of objects in the animal kingdom, should have neglected to examine the shores of our own seas, crowded as they are with objects equally worthy of their investigation. Baker’s observation in his “Employment for the Microscope,” p. 244, is entitled to more attention than has been paid to it. “Shell-fish,” says he, “are objects that have as yet been very slightly examined by the microscope, and therefore the serious inquirer into nature’s secret operations may here be certain of discovering beauties, which at present he can have no conception of.” But thus it is, nature opens her rich and inexhaustible treasures by slow degrees to the inquisitive mind of man. In fact, different observers have generally different pursuits, otherwise these objects would scarcely have escaped the attention of many ingenious naturalists, particularly the quick-sighted Mr. Ellis, who has so clearly investigated and described the corals and corallines of the adjacent coasts.

To those who have perused the treatise of Plancus, already mentioned, it is necessary to observe, that though the sand on our coasts contain a vast variety of specimens, yet it by no means appears so productive as the sand of Rimini; lest, despairing of success in their first researches, they may be induced to desist from further examination. Every parcel will, however, be found to contain some of the more common shells.

It may not be improper here to point out to future inquirers the mode of facilitating the discovery of these minute objects. The sand being perfectly dried, put a handful on an open sheet of paper, and by gently shaking it from side to side, the minute shells, being specifically lighter than the sand, will be separated from, and lie on its surface, and will thus be more expeditiously procured than by any other method. It is also adviseable to place the objects intended for inspection in a situation secured from any sudden blast of air, otherwise, owing to their levity, they may be unexpectedly blown away, and a loss sustained of some of the rarer specimens; even incautiously breathing on them, or coughing, may be productive of similar disagreeable effects.

The following observations by an ingenious critic[153] are so apposite, and so perfectly coincident with my own sentiments on the subject, that I cannot resist the impulse I feel to enable the reader to partake of the pleasure which I have experienced in their perusal.

[153] Monthly Review, Vol. LXXI. p. 190.

“Let not the minuteness of the objects here delineated call up the surly inquiries of those, who have not been accustomed to live with their eyes open to the works of nature: they are not fit judges in these matters. If they will persist in asking, Of what use is all this labour? What good can accrue to mankind from this knowledge, in point of food, or other use? We know of none at all, either present or likely to happen, as to the body, for use or ornament, or to the satisfying any appetite: nevertheless, a much nobler idea will take its rise in our opinion; one which, by displaying so momentously the power of the omniscient Creator, will thwart the infidel in his favourite ideas of escaping the eyes of the Almighty, and force him, as he descends the scale from the more immense objects to these minutissima, to confess, that the being which has formed these, can fully equal all that the tongue of man has yet declared of the possibility of his power. For, what a train of wonders have we here to pursue? What must be the œconomy of animals so very diminutive, so weak, so exposed from their situation to the force of every rude wave, and who, notwithstanding, so often escape unhurt? How do they rear their young? From whence collect their prey?”

A DESCRIPTION AND ARRANGEMENT OF MINUTE AND RARE SHELLS.[154]

[154] Being possessed of Mr. Jacob’s own corrected copy of the work, to which he has annexed the trivial names, I am thereby enabled to affix them to the several shells here enumerated.

SERPULA.

THE WORM-SHELL.

SERPULA BICORNIS. Plate XIV. Fig. 2. S. bicornis ventricosa. The bellied semilunar worm-shell.

The colour white, opake, and glossy. From Sandwich and Reculver, though not common.

SERPULA PERFORATA. Fig. 3. S. bicornis umbilico perforato. The semilunar perforated worm-shell.

The colour white, opake, and glossy. From Sandwich: very rare.

SERPULA LACTEA. Fig. 4. S. tenuis ovalis lævis. The thin, smooth, egg-shaped worm-shell.

The colour pellucid, with milky veins. From Sandwich: not common.

SERPULA LAGENA SULCATA. Fig. 5. S. (lagena) striata sulcata rotunda. The round striated and furrowed flask worm-shell.

The colour whitish, transparent, and glossy. From Sandwich, Reculver, and Shepey: very rare.

SERPULA RETORTA. Fig. 6. S. (retorta) rotunda marginata cervice curvatim exerto. The marginated retort worm-shell.

The colour white and opake. From Sandwich: not common.

SERPULA INCURVATA. Fig. 7. S. recta anfractibus tribus contiguis regulariter involutis. The straight horn worm-shell, with three close intorted spires at the tip.

The colour white, semitransparent. From Sandwich: rare.

This shell, though resembling the semilituus of Linnæus, p. 1163, No. 280, is not of the genus of Nautilus, having neither syphon in the aperture, nor the internal concamerated structure.

DENTALE.

THE TOOTH-SHELL.

DENTALIUM IMPERFORATUM. Fig. 8. D. apice imperforata transverse striatum. The imperforated transversely striated tooth-shell.

The colour white and opake. From Sandwich: not very common.

PATELLA.

THE LIMPET.

PATELLA ROTA. Fig. 9. P. plana orbiculata margine regulariter dentato. The toothed-wheel limpet.

The colour white and opake. From Sandwich: extremely rare.

HELIX.

THE DEPRESSED SNAIL.

HELIX CARINATA. Fig. 10. H. striata apertura compressa tribus anfractibus carinata. The striated suboval-mouthed snail, of three spires and a sharp edge.

The colour light brown pellucid. In a fresh water stream, near Faversham.

HELIX SPINOSA. Fig. 11. H. subglobosa umbilicata ore subrotundo margine spinoso. The roundish mouth deeply umbelicated snail with a thorny margin.

The colour brown pellucid. From Bysing Wood, near Faversham: exceeding rare.

HELIX RETICULATA. Fig. 12. H. unici anfractus subumbilicata apertura rotunda marginata eleganter reticulata. The round mouthed reticulated single spired slightly subumbilicated snail.

The colour white and pellucid. From Reculver: extremely rare.

HELIX STRIATA. Fig. 13. H. striata apertura subovali anfractibus supradorsalibus. The oval mouthed striated snail with the spires reflected on the back.

The colour greenish, white pellucid. From Sandwich: very rare.

TURBO.

THE PRODUCED SNAIL.

TURBO RETICULATUS. Fig. 14. T. subumbilicatus quatuor anfractibus reticulatis apertura subrotunda. The slightly umbilicated turbo with four reticulated spires, and a roundish aperture.

The colour white and pellucid. From Seasalter: very rare.

TURBO EBURNEUS. Fig. 15. T. quinque anfractibus ventricosis apertura subrotunda. The five spired ventricose turbo with a roundish mouth.

The colour white and opake. From Reculver: very rare.

TURBO STRIGATUS. Fig. 16. T. tribus anfractibus primo strigis tribus transversis apertura subovata. The three spired turbo, the first spire with three transverse ridges and a suboval aperture.

The colour opake white. From Seasalter: very rare.

TURBO ALBIDUS. Fig. 17. T. turritus septem anfractibus strigatis apertura ovali. The taper turbo with seven ridged spires and an oval aperture.

The colour opake white. From Sandwich: rare.

TURBO CARINATULUS. Fig. 18. T. turritus carinatus septem anfractibus apertura coarctata marginata. The taper carinated turbo with seven spires and a contracted marginated aperture.

The colour opake white. From Sandwich: very rare.

TURBO CLATHRATULUS. Fig. 19. T. clathratus sex anfractibus apertura ovali marginata. The barred six spired turbo with an oval marginated aperture.

The colour opake white. From Sandwich: exceeding rare.

TURBO CRASSUS. Fig. 20. T. crassus clathratus quinque anfractibus apertura rotunda marginata. The thick barred turbo of five spires and a round marginated aperture.

The colour opake white. From Sandwich: very rare.

TURBO PUNCTATUS. Fig. 21. T. turritus perversus novem anfractibus punctatis apertura coarctata. The reversed taper turbo of nine dotted spires and straitened aperture.

The colour light-brown opake. From Sandwich: not common.

TURBO SHEPEIANUS. Fig. 22. T. sex anfractibus reticulatis apertura ovali submarginata. The six spired reticulated turbo with an oval submarginated aperture.

The colour semipellucid white. From Shepey island: very rare.

TURBO SANDVICENSIS. Fig. 23. T. tribus anfractibus reticulatis apertura unidentata. The three spired elegantly reticulated turbo with a one toothed oval aperture.

The colour pellucid white. From Sandwich: exceeding rare.

TROCHUS.

THE TOP-SHELL.

TROCHUS FUSCUS. Fig. 24. T. umbilicatus quinque anfractibus marginatus apertura subrotunda. The five spired umbilicated marginated top-shell with a roundish aperture.

The colour opake brown. From Sandwich: common.

BUCCINUM.

THE WHILK.

BUCCINUM OBTUSULUM. Fig. 25. B. ampullaceum tribus anfractibus apertura ovali. The bellied whilk of three spires with an oval aperture.

The colour opake white. From Faversham Creek: very rare.

BUCCINUM LONGIUSCULUM. Fig. 26. B. turritum quinque anfractibus apertura ovali. The taper whilk of five spires with an oval aperture.

The colour white semipellucid and glossy. In Faversham Creek only; but not uncommon there.

VOLUTA.

THE VOLUTE.

VOLUTA ALBA. Fig. 27. V. alba opaca longitudinaliter striata. The white opake volute. From Sandwich and Shepey island: not uncommon.

This shell resembles Mr. Pennant’s voluta Jonensis, but differs in the form of the aperture, as well as in the size.

BULLA.

THE DIPPER.

BULLA REGULBIENSIS. Fig. 28. B. crassa apertura medio coarctata. The thick dipper, with a compressed aperture.

The colour white and opake. From Reculver: very rare.

NAUTILUS.

THE CHAMBERED NAUTILUS.

NAUTILUS BECCARII. Fig. 29. N. spiralis umbilicatus geniculis insculptis. The spiral umbilicated nautilus with deep joints.

The colour, while the fish is alive, is a fine pellucid crimson; when dead, is white. It is found alive on the fucus vesiculosus, and is a very common shell on all the coast, and seems to be an universal litoral one, by the numbers found at Rimini, and in the sand of the South Seas.

Lin. S. N. p. 1162, No. 276. Nautilus Beccarii. Planch. Tab. 1. Fig. 1. Gualtier, Tab. 19. Fig. H, H, I.

NAUTILUS CRISPUS. Fig. 30. N. spiralis geniculis crenatis. The spiral nautilus with crenated joints.

The colour opake white. The finest specimens are from Shepey: not uncommon.

Lin. S. N. p. 1162, No. 275. crispus. Planch. T. 1. f. 2. Gualt. T. 19. f. A. D.

NAUTILUS CALCAR. Fig. 31. N. spiralis apertura lineari geniculis elevatis. The spiral nautilus, with a narrow aperture and raised joints.

The colour opake white. From Shepey island: not common.

Lin. S. N. 1162, No. 274, calcar. Pl. T. 1. f. 3, 4. Gualt. T. 19. f. C. B.

NAUTILUS LÆVIGATULUS. Fig. 32. N. spiralis geniculis lævibus. The spiral nautilus with smooth joints.

The colour semipellucid, white and glossy. From Sandwich and Seasalter: not common.

NAUTILUS DEPRESSULUS. Fig. 33. N. spiralis utrinque subumbilicatus geniculis depressis plurimis. The spiral subumbilicated nautilus, with many depressed joints.

The colour opake white. From Reculver: very rare.

NAUTILUS UMBILICATULUS. Fig. 34. N. spiralis umbilicatus geniculis sulcatis. The umbilicated spiral nautilus, with furrowed joints.

The colour opake white. From Sandwich: not common.

NAUTILUS CRASSULUS. Fig. 35. N. spiralis crassus utrinque umbilicatus geniculis lineatis. The thick spiral doubly umbilicated nautilus, with fine joints.

The colour opake white. From Reculver: exceeding rare.

NAUTILUS LOBATULUS. Fig. 36. N. spiralis lobatus anfractibus supra rotundatis subtus depressioribus. The spiral lobated nautilus, with the spires rounded on the upper side, and depressed on the under.

The colour opake white. From Whitstable: not common.

NAUTILUS CARINATULUS. Fig. 37. N. oblongus carinatus apertura lineari ovali. The oblong carinated nautilus, with a narrow oval aperture.

The colour whitish, transparent like glass. From Seasalter and Sandwich: very rare.

NAUTILUS SUBARCUATULUS. Fig. 38. N. subarcuatus geniculis exertis. The bending nautilus with raised joints.

The colour opake brown. From Shepey island: very rare.

MYTILUS.

THE MUSCLE.

MYTILUS PHASEOLUS. Fig. 39. M. lævis valvulis antice inflexis. The smooth muscle, with the valves inflected in front.

The colour brown and glossy. From a fresh water stream near Faversham: common.

MYTILUS PUNCTATULUS. Fig. 40. M. subrhombiformis punctatus. The subrombic dotted muscle.

The colour pellucid white. From Sandwich: common.

MYTILUS DISCORS. Fig. 41. M. discors areis tribus distinctis. The divided muscle.

The colour opake brown. From Sandwich: not common.

Lin. S. N. 1159, No. 261. Da Costa Br. Conch, p. 221. Tab. 17. f. 1. where it is exactly described, and as badly engraved.

ANOMIA.

THE SCALE.

ANOMIA SQUAMULA. Fig.42. A. squamula. The scale anomia.

The colour opake white and glossy. From Sandwich: not uncommon.

Lin. S. N. 1151, No. 221. This shell is well described by Da Costa; but neither he, or Mr. Pennant, have caused it to be engraved.

ARCA.

THE ARC.

ARCA MODIOLUS. Fig. 43. A. oblonga striata antice angulata. The oblong striated arc, with the foreside angulated.

The colour opake white. From Sandwich: not uncommon.

Lin. S. N. p. 1141, No. 171. Arca Modiolus.

CARDIUM.

THE COCKLE.

CARDIUM MURICATULUM. Fig. 44. C. subcordatum antice muricatum. The heart cockle, with the front muricated.

The colour opake white. From Shepey island: not uncommon.

LEPAS.

THE ACORN-SHELL.

LEPAS STRIGATULUS. Fig. 45. L. balanus striatus apertura obliqua. The striated acorn-shell, with an oblique aperture.

The colour light brown. From Sandwich, on the roots of sea-weeds, the finest specimens on lobsters: not uncommon.

ECHINUS.

THE SEA-URCHIN.

ECHINUS LOBATULUS. Fig. 46. E. subrotundus planus lobatus. The flat roundish lobated echinus.

The colour opake white. From Reculver: rare.

ASTERIAS.

THE STAR-FISH.

ASTERIAS TRIRADIATA. Fig. 47. A. triradiata lævis. The smooth three-rayed star-fish.

The colour white, transparent as glass. On all the different shores that have been examined.

Having thus described a few specimens of those pleasing microscopical objects, minute shells, I shall agreeably to the intimation given in the note to page 613, proceed to

A DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF A VARIETY OF VEGETABLE SEEDS.[155]

[155] To the names as given by Dr. Parsons, those adopted by Linnæus are here added.

LITHOSPERMUM OFFICINALE. Plate XV. Fig. 1. Ibid. Linn. Gromwell. This seed is in figure exactly like a human heart without the auricles, but has no flat or depressed part on its sides; it is pretty circular round its thickest part, and terminates in a blunt cone. At the thickest extremity there is a circular roughness, which is the umbilicus, and from thence to the cone on the shortest side it is bisulcated longitudinally; so that the space between the sulci is a kind of ridge, nor do either sulci or ridge extend to either extremity of the seed; the rest of the surface is smooth and polished, the ground a light ash-colour, with a shade or cloud of yellow or brown.

These seeds are very hard, and the ash-coloured shell is brittle like that of a hen’s egg; which being broken, appears to be lined with a light olive-coloured uniform membrane, which encloses a nucleus of a Spanish snuff-colour, pretty smooth, and of the same form with its shell, being in close contact with it all round.

The natural size of a middling grain of this seed is about the eighth part of an inch long, and the ninth of an inch in diameter at the roundest part.

CYMINUM. Fig. 2. Cuminum C. Linn. Cummin. This seed is double, though fixed side by side to one little stem; both which while together seem like one, and are ribbed in an uneven manner longitudinally, having great numbers of little threads or fibres sticking out all over them, which makes them look hoary. They are thick in the middle and run to a cone at each end. At the upper extremity there is an appearance like a bifurcation in the stilus, each of them belonging to its particular seed; this appears when the seeds are separated.

These seeds are of a darkish straw-colour, the little threads or fibres being much lighter than the body of the seed. Each of these seeds contains in it a kernel of an olive-colour, and exactly in shape like a waterman’s boat, and of the same proportion, having a concave and convex side; the latter has a blunt ridge like the keel of a boat, and the former has a white line from one end to the other, which proves to be a ridge, to which the stilus that rises from the little stem of the seed, adheres to support it.

When the seeds are together upon the stem their length is about the fifth part of an inch, and about an eighth part of an inch in the broadest part.

PAPAVER ALBUM. Fig. 3. P. somniferum. Linn. Poppy. This is a little yellowish white seed exactly resembling in shape a sheep’s kidney, having a yellow place about the hollow part, which is its umbilicus, analogous to the hollow part of the kidney into which the blood-vessels (emulgents) enter.

If it be viewed on the back or convex part, concealing the hollow, it is exactly shaped like an egg, having one end somewhat rounder than the other.

All over its surface it has superficial cells, formed by ridges that rise from the surface, which are some heptagons, some pentagons, but for the most part hexagons, though not precisely of equal sides; and the bottoms of these cells seem to be very porous.

The seeds seem very light and springy, as a gentle blast of ones breath is capable of blowing them away, or a touch of any thing of making them roll a considerable way. As to their size, they are not above a twenty-fourth part of an inch long, and about a thirtieth part broad or thick.

CARDUUS BENEDICTUS. Fig. 4. Centaurea Benedicta. Linn. Blessed Thistle. The body of this seed is about twice as long as it is thick, is round and shaped much like a nine-pin, only instead of being small at the upper end, it has a stricture, from whence arises a beautiful crown of ten angles or points, out of which come also ten aristæ or spiculæ like ivory, about the length of the body of the seed, running taper upward, and set round in an uniform manner. Within the circle of these long spikes there are ten more, which are but very short, and of the same colour and consistence with the others. When these are all plucked off, the vestiges of the circles they form appear in the upper surface of the crown; in the middle of which a little process arises, but very superficially. That part which appears circular is white, and the rest of this surface, of the corona, of the same colour with the rest of the body of the seed, which is a sort of an olive-colour.

The body of the seed is of the sulcated kind, and looks exactly like a fluted pillar, and the surface shines as if varnished with some gummy substance.

At the lower or small end of this seed, there is an opening reaching up above a third of the length of the body of the seed, which discovers a white root, shaped like a cone at the bottom, and rising thicker by degrees till it divides into three limbs; these run taper upwards, till they are lost in the parenchyma of the seed, which at the place of their entrance appears somewhat fungous, but is more compact and clammy through its substance.

The length of the body is more than two eighths of an inch, and the aristæ exactly the same length. The corona is its umbilicus.

PLANTAGO. Fig. 5. P. Major. Linn. Plantain. By the imperfect idea we have of this seed from its minuteness, it may seem like a flea, as any small speck would, if a little oblong; yet its form is not constant, that is, there are scarce two of them precisely alike, some being perfectly elliptical, some with blunt angles, and some approaching a spheroid. They have a whitish mark on one side, which is the umbilicus of the seed, from whence the first rudiments of the plant spring, and the surface is entirely granulated over, and has a general appearance like some kinds of plumb-stones; the surface also shines a little, as if oiled or moist, and their colour is brown. One of the seeds cut transversely appears to have the shell or covering pretty strong in proportion to its size, which contains a parenchyma that is very porous and succulent. It is about a sixteenth part of an inch long, and a twenty-second broad.

STAPHIS AGRIA. Fig. 6 and 7. Delphinum S. A. Linn. Stavesacre. The seeds of this plant are rough and angular, inclining to a triangle, although imperfectly so. They may be considered as having a basis or apex; the basis is thick and clumsy, and the apex runs to an angular point, which point is the umbilicus of the seed, out of which its first rudiments arise; it also has a convex and a plane or concave side; the former, Fig. 7, is rough, by reason of its being covered all over with porous cells, the ridges of which are also depressed or indented with rough pores, and granulated as if stuck full of sand. The concave surface, Fig. 6, is also rough, but not in the same manner, and so are the sides, which have a little flatness; these also are porous and sandy, and before the microscope, shine, and are coloured like dirty brown sugar-candy. The concave surface, notwithstanding the roughness, has one longitudinal ridge, and sometimes more, running from the basis to the apex, which has the same granulated surface with the rest. It contains a parenchyma, which is of a yellowish grey colour, and is moist and succulent.

This seed is in its natural size about two eighths of an inch long from its basis to the apex, and near as broad; however, some are broader in proportion to their length than others, and they are one eighth of an inch thick.

ANISUM. Fig. 8 and 9. Pimpinella A. Linn. Anise. Two of these seeds grow together upon one little stalk; when they are pulled asunder, they appear to have a flat and a convex surface. On the convex surface, Fig. 8, each seed has three ribs placed at equal distances from one another, which are porous and a little rough, being of a straw-colour; and the spaces between them are also rough and porous, but of an olive-colour. The flat surface, Fig. 9, has a white ridge running longitudinally from its basis to the apex in the middle; this white ridge or line serves to cling to the stilus, upon which it sticks. The stilus is also white, and has the same contexture with the ridge, and is bifid, in order to support two seeds with their flat sides together, which keeps them the more compact and less liable to injuries than if a single seed stuck on. It is certain, a single stilus would do as well to support two seeds as the bifid one, for even the two stick together as if single, if there was not a necessity for a double stilus, for a very important reason; which is, that when the seeds are ripe, they would stick on a single one, till the time of their being scattered about would pass, which would be a detriment to their propagation; but the stilus being double, and of a springy nature, the two parts are glued together, as long as moisture remains about the seeds capable of keeping them together; but when the seeds are grown ripe and dry, then this moisture is exhaled, and the stilus, as well as the flat surfaces of the seeds, begin to contract from their former plumpness; the stilus first begins to split asunder, and thereby separates the two surfaces of the seeds, each of which sticks loosely to its particular limb of the stilus; till at length the remaining moisture exhaling more and more, it grows rigid, and cracks with a blast of wind, and so the seed is scattered or sown in the ground in its due time. This is a most excellent provision of nature, and highly worth regard.

When the two seeds are sticking together, they have a round end which is the basis, and grow smaller by degrees upward, till they become an apex, having upon each seed a kind of fungous or bulbous corona, which is the umbilicus of the seed; and the shape of the two together may be compared to that of a given fig reversed. The parenchyma of these seeds is that of a pale greenish olive-colour. They are more exactly of a size than most other seeds, and are each one-eighth part of an inch long, and more than half that breadth.

FŒNICULUM DULCE. Fig. 10 and 11. Anethum F. Linn. Sweet Fennel. In viewing these seeds, they do not look much unlike one species of the cucumber in general, some of them being thicker and longer than others, and some straighter; but upon applying the microscope, the ridges appear high, and form deep furrows.

Two of these seeds grow together upon the same little stalk, which is divided, like that of the anise seed, into a double or bifid stilus, in the same manner, and for the same reasons; when the two are pulled asunder, they appear to have a flat surface, Fig. 10, and a round and ridged one, Fig. 11. On the former, these characters are conspicuous: viz. 1. The whitish cortex or covering of the seed shews its edge distinctly. 2. Withinside this edge a white fungous substance appears running parallel to, and in close contact with it, on each side from end to end, being both together about one-third of the breadth of the seed; and between these, in the center, there appears a dark brown elliptical substance, which, upon separating the cortical and fungous coverings, appears to be a nucleus, whose internal substance is of an olive colour and something succulent. On the external surface there appears three high ridges, and when the flat faces of the seeds are close together upon the stilus, so as to seem but one, these three ridges on each seed and the two edges of each meeting firmly together, form eight regular ridges equally divided upon that round body that we have before said to resemble a cucumber. The extremity which is fixed to the stem is smaller than the other; the latter has a fungous kind of process arising from the body of the seed, which is the umbilicus of the seed. The ridges are of a light straw-colour, and the bottoms of the sulci they form are darkish. A middling seed is somewhat more than two-eighths of an inch long, and above half that breadth.

GRANA PARADISI. Fig. 12 and 13. Amomum G. P. Linn. Grains of Paradise. These seeds are of an irregular form, but may be said to have a basis and apex; the basis is generally so flat as to render it capable of standing well upon it; the sides consist of several flats and angles, and the apex looks very much like the mouth of a purse drawn or gathered up close together.

The body of the seed is of a reddish brown colour, the surface much granulated and rough; and the apex, which is its umbilicus, degenerates from this reddish brown colour into a yellow, appearing in little oblong ridges or plates.

Upon making a transverse section of this seed, a most beautiful appearance presents itself; the external cortex is very thin, and retains the same colour through its substance with the outer surface; this incloses a black, porous, pitchy substance, which is much thicker than the cortex, in close contact with it, and at the angles of the seed is pretty considerable. Next to this the parenchyma appears, as white as the finest white salt, and radiated from the center outward; and in this transverse section seems to have a round hole in the center of one of the divided parts, and a process answerable to it in the other. If a longitudinal incision be made through the middle, the appearance will be as in Fig. 13, when the center of the white parenchyma appears exactly like a modern vinegar glass, commonly called a cruet, the bottom of which tends obliquely towards the basis, and the top towards the apex of the seed. The surface of this part looks polished, and the colour is a yellowish olive; nor does it look unlike a gummy or resinous body; however, we cannot be certain what its substance is, notwithstanding its great resemblance to that kind of matter. The white parenchyma is very singular, being almost divided into two lobes by this little cruet, whose top runs up into or is lost in a remarkable circular part, which has a rising towards the umbilicus of the seed in form of an acorn, and this rising stands in the open place, into which the pursy umbilicus leads. As to its natural dimensions, an ordinary seed is somewhat more than the eighth of an inch long, and about an eighth thick.

PETROSELINUM. Fig. 14. Apium P. Linn. Common Parsley. The seeds of this garden parsley, being of the umbellated kind, grow two upon a little stem, whose bifid stilus supports them like the ammi or smallage; they are striated or ribbed like those, having three of such ribs on the convex part, spread further asunder, and being much more conspicuous than those of either of the seeds just mentioned. There is another rib which runs on each side of the seed, which is its lateral rib, and that which runs round the edge of the flat surface makes it resemble the edge or gunnel of a barge or lighter, to which each of these bears some resemblance. This seed is considerably larger than either, and much longer in proportion to their size; the colour of the interstices between the ribs is a dusky olive, and the ribs of an oaker yellow. They are pretty round where they rest on the stem, and run up elliptically to an apex, where there is a fungous corona, which is the umbilicus. In making a transverse section through the middle of one of them, the parenchyma appears of the same form with the cortex, having this remarkable property, that between the ridges or ribs are canals, formed of the cortex and the surface of the parenchyma, containing a brown balsamic fluid, with which they are filled from one end to the other of the seed; and in some seeds this balsam appears all round between the parenchyma and the cortex. This will be further explained when we come to speak of the seseli, in which this is so apparent, that a transverse view of that seed will serve for both. The parenchyma is somewhat succulent, and of a greyish olive colour. An ordinary seed is one-eighth of an inch long, and about a sixteenth thick.

PETROSELINUM MACEDONICUM. Fig. 15 and 16. Bubon Macedonicum. Linn. Macedonian Parsley. These are long slender elliptical seeds, growing like the seeds of other umbelliferous plants, two together on the stem and bifid stilus; when they are pulled asunder they appear each to have a convex or back side, and a flat part or belly. The convex side, Fig. 15, may be said, from its roundness at one end, and smallness at the other, to have a basis and apex; the former is round, and after swelling a little towards the middle, runs taper upwards, till within one-fifth of its length there arise two rough hairy processes, one on each side, like ears, and the rest runs to a point; so that the entire back surface is a near representation of a mouse lying flat. The colour of the body of this seed is a kind of olive, but the hoary fibres all over are of an ash-colour, and the striæ or ridges much the same.

The flat surface, Fig. 16, is of a brown colour and porous, having none of these fibres upon it; and is surrounded by an edge or ridge, like those on the back of the seed, which are also hoary. Upon this surface the bifid stilus is apparent, one extremity of which terminates at a hollow part, that may be likened to the under jaw of the mouse, between the roots of the ears; and the other stands loose, to which the fellow-seed was also attached.

The ridges are also hollow, like those of the garden parsley, and contain such a balsamic fluid as that; but this being so exceedingly slender, requires the greatest magnifier of the microscope for opake objects to discern it. This seed is about an eighth of an inch long, and about a twentieth broad.

CORIANDRUM. Fig. 17, 18, and 19. C. sativum. Linn. Coriander. The seed of common coriander is spherical when entire, and may be said to have two poles; the lower, or that into which the stem is fixed, which forms a fungous hole, and the upper or little apex, as at Fig. 17, this is the umbilicus of the seed. From one of these poles to the other several ridges or striæ run like the lines of longitude upon the globe, between which there are several roughnesses; they are of a yellowish oaker colour, and about the sixth of an inch in diameter, or something less.

Each of these seeds, upon being bruised, divides into two hemispheres, Fig. 18, which discovers the edges of the rigid cortex, on the concave side there is a rising, and within it a lens, concave on one side and convex on the other, Fig. 19, as it is turned out of the cortex. On the concave side is a rising in the middle extending from one pole to the other, and on each side just below the apex, there is a white roundish fungous spot rising from the surface, from each of which runs downward a little curved a ridge, which appears to be resinous; and the surface is rough, and has a great many particles of resin also.

SESELI. Fig. 20 to 24. S. Montanum. Linn. Long-leaved Meadow-saxifrage. This seed stripped of its foliaceous wings may be compared to a sort of canoo which is too narrow in proportion to its great length, has a hollow and a convex side, like that kind of boat, and is ridged longitudinally on its convex side, Fig. 20, from end to end, with four principal ridges; and between these, with others less considerable. There are, however, some of these seeds wider than others in proportion, but the majority are too long for their breadth, as I have said before.

These principal ridges are the support of the wings, and may be called their basis, for they rise broad from the body of the seed, and run out to a thin edge, which being continued constitute this leafy border. These are yellowish, and the spaces between them and the other less considerable ridges inclining to a brown.

On the concave side, Fig. 21, there is an edge or gunnel like that of a boat, and a considerable cavity from the edge; in the center of which the vestige of the stilus, Fig. 22, which is also bifid here, appears from one end to the other. The edge and this vestige are also of a yellowish colour, but the rest of the surface brown and porous, and the whole body of the seed and ridges shine, as if varnished over with some oily substance.

Fig. 23 is a view of the convex side of a seed divested of its wings, which is one of the most proportioned seeds I could pick out; at the upper extremity of which a little process may be perceived to turn or crook back upon the body; the same may also be discerned on that of Fig. 20. At the root of this process the opening or umbilicus of the seed lies.

Among the many beauties with which this seed abounds, there is one that is most agreeably surprising, which (says our author) I discovered by making a transverse section of one of them, in order to see what its internal substance consisted of. I no sooner applied the cut surface, Fig. 24, to my microscope, than each of the principal ridges, which I said above is the basis of the leafy wing, appeared to be a triangular tube, containing a fine brown liquid balsam of the colour of brown basilicon. This was a high entertainment, as every other curious discovery that arises by the diligent inspection of the seed is, and prompted my examining others in the same manner; and I found such a balsam as this common to the several kinds of parsley seeds also, as well as to that of the bishop’s weed and smallage; although these are so minute, that I could not be sensible of it but with difficulty, and with one of my greatest magnifiers. There is also something analogous to this in the sweet fennel and finoki, not in tubes of the husks or cortex, but rather in spungy channels that sink into the surface of the parenchyma, between the ridges of these last. The length of an ordinary seed is one-third of an inch, the thickness about an eighth, and the breadth of each wing nearly equal to the thickness of the body.

HYOSCYAMUS. Fig. 25. H. Niger. Linn. Common Henbane. After the calyx has split and cracked by drying, the seed-pot comes to be exposed to the heat of the sun, which also grows dry, by which the lid or cover becomes loose, having no other visible attachment to keep it on the edge of the pot but its moisture, which in some measure helps to keep it there by agglutination, as well as by the squeezing or pressure of the segments of the calyx. But, this moisture exhaling, and the calyx splitting off, the lid, being now dry, blows off with the first blast of wind, and scatters the seeds, which by this time are hard and ripe.

When the seeds are ripe they are of a light colour, like white-brown paper, and incline to a triangular figure, whose angles are rounded off. They are depressed on both sides, so as to become pretty flat, and their whole surface is cellular; the cells have no particular form, but are somewhat irregular, and the ridges that form them are pretty eminent. As the drawing appears, the seeds may be said to have a basis and an apex; the former has no other particular mark than the cells, but the latter has a kind of notch indented downward from the top, which is the umbilicus of the seed. The parenchyma appears of a greyish colour. A middling grain is about a sixteenth of an inch long, and not quite so broad in the broadest part.

CICER RUBRUM. Fig. 26 to 29. C. Arietinum. Linn. Chickpea. There is a good deal of reason for comparing the chiche grain to the head of a ram; for each of them, Fig. 26, consists of a round or back part, and an apex or snout. There are, besides this shape, which indeed favours the simile, several depressions upon the grain which add still to the likeness of that head; and these we shall consider in particular. On the upper or convex side there is, in most of them, a longitudinal little ridge, and a depression on each side, which resembles the rising in the frontal bone of a sheep; and, a little further forward, two risings, one on each side, which look like the superciliary eminences of the eyes. Each side of the round or occipital part has a depression that also adds to the same image; but what is yet a greater argument for it, is, that the under part, Fig. 27, is flattish, having an edge on each side, which may be compared to the edges of the under jaw. In the center of this flat part there is a little mamillary rising very remarkable, and just under the apex or snout an oval hole, whitish at the bottom, which is the umbilicus of the seed; besides which, there is an apparent sulcus on each side the apex, running a little way back, and is a close resemblance to the rictus oris. The husk is thin and fragile, and when taken off, looks like thin tortoise-shell; and the nucleus or parenchyma is of a yellowish white, exactly like the substance of a split-pea, without the covering. The entire nucleus has the same depressions which appear on its husk or cortex; and a fore view of it, Fig. 28, shews the naked apex, with the hole underneath, which is but superficial; and the seam which distinguishes the tip of the apex, I take to be the rudiment of the plant, for it is easily separated in that seam. The natural size of this seed appears, Fig. 29, being almost three-eighths of an inch from the apex to the outer edge of the basis, and something narrower.

LAURUS. Fig. 30, 31, 32. L. nobilis. Linn. Bay-berries. The bay-berries, Fig. 30, are a fruit of an oval shape, sticking to a short stem not above a quarter of an inch long; the surface is generally black, but some of them, whether through age I cannot say, are crusted over with a dull ash-coloured scurfy matter, and sometimes with fine ragged membranes. When the husk is opened, it appears of a fine dark-brown colour on the inner surface, being a smooth thin membrane that lines the husk, and at the smaller end it suddenly grows yellowish, and looks like a brown cup with a yellow bottom.

The nucleus easily comes out when the husk is opened, and as easily separates into two parts or lobes longitudinally; each of which is represented, Fig. 31. They lie in the husk with the flat surfaces together, each of which has a sinus at the smaller end shaped like the sole of one’s shoe; one of these contains the little piece which has the rudiments of the tree, adhering closely to its sinus; the other is empty, and serves only to give room to these rudiments when the flat surfaces of both lobes are together: Fig. 32 represents that little piece taken out and viewed by a larger magnifier, and appears to be convex on the visible side; having in its outline much the same form with the cell or sinus which contained it. It has a ridge in a longitudinal direction, is smaller at one end than the other, has risings on the sides, and is a most entertaining object.

FICOIDES AFRA. Fig. 33, 34. Mesembryanthemum Crystallinum. Linn. Diamond Fig-marygold, or Ice-plant.[156] The whole stalks, leaves, and calix are covered with little glassy globules, which are called diamond or silver drops; and which are rather like ice than either. They are transparent, in as much as opposite windows of houses appear through them, and the green stalk makes those between it and the microscope look green. Those upon the stalks are spheroids, but those on the leaves and calix are globular. They seem like so many transparent stones set into a case, like those of a ring; others are more prominent. Upon breaking them, they appear to be little membranous bladders, very clear, and filled with an aqueous liquor. When they begin to wither and the juice to exhale, these membranes appear flaccid and collapsed.

[156] Dr. Parsons having given the microscopical description of the flower as well as the seed of this plant, and each of them forming a very agreeable object, the figure and description of the flower is here introduced.

Fig. 33 shews a flower of its natural size, with a bit of its stalk and a leaf; the leaf has its apex bent towards one side, is fat or thick, and has in its sinus the bud of another. The seed-vessel is also fleshy, and the calix has but three leaves, which is an exception to the general rule mentioned above, each of which has its apex in the center, or nearly so, differing from those of the stalk. The flower is indeed polypetalous, having an infinite number of narrow little leaves crowded together, of a whitish faint purple, in some parts nearly white, but very inconsiderable.

Fig. 34 is the seed, which is enlarged microscopically, having a streaky surface, and being of a triangular form. At one angle there is a dent or rictus, the end of which is the umbilicus of the seed. It is of a yellowish brown colour, and is very minute in its natural size, which is seen in those little specks near it.

PALMA ARECIFERA. Fig. 35, 36, 37. Areca Catechu. Linn. Syst. Vegetab. Areca Nut. The areca nut grows in a husk like the walnut or nutmeg. Fig. 35 is that hard nut which we are now to describe. Its surface is a dark brown, striated promiscuously with a yellowish brown colour; its figure a cone, and is capable of standing firmly upon its basis. In the center of the basis there is the hole or vestige of its pedicle, or whatever other thing stuck to it whilst inveloped in its husk, round which the bottom is whitish. Fig. 36 is another species of the areca nut, at least in shape, being somewhat less, more squat, and having no cone. I cannot say, whether these different shaped cones might not be a variation of the fruit of the same tree, as apples or any other fruits often are; but the surfaces are not precisely alike in one respect only, their colour being the same, that is, the yellowish brown lines upon the surface of the latter are thicker together, and sink deeper into the cortex between the dark brown parts, which are consequently made more imminent thereby than those of the conical one.

Upon cutting one of these into two parts, the surface appears at Fig. 37. On the outer part all round the internal substance appears radiated outward, being of a dark red and brown colour, and in its center inclosing a white substance, which in many places shoots itself out into the brown substance in little radii towards the cortex.

JUNIPERUS. Fig. 38, 39. J. Communis. Linn. Juniper Berry. Fig. 38, a, is a juniper berry magnified to shew its marks the more plainly. This fruit is quite round, of a black colour, which, although it appears smooth, yet the covering appears porous, and resembles the surface of shagreen in some measure. At the top it has a triangular sulcus, which is not very deep, and in some it is superficial. At the other extremity the stem appears, which is rough near the place of its insertion, with a scaly covering for a little space. b, is a transverse section of a juniper berry, which shews the thickness of the pulpy substance of the fruit, which appears every where interspersed and mixed with a great quantity of fine yellow gum, that in many places is in lumps, especially about the ossicula or stones of the fruit. This parenchyma incloses three of these ossicula, lying in close contact together by their flatter sides, and with their apices meeting at the top. c, is the fruit of its natural size, some grains may be a little bigger, some a little less.

Fig. 39 is the convex side of one of the stones, having from the apex three or four ridges, which render it triangular at the top, and are lost towards the basis, of an irregular form, long, narrow, and shining, after being cleansed of the pulp that covers them with the gummy matter just mentioned; but when dry, has an appearance like that of the stones of other fruit. Fig. 40 shews a longitudinal section of one of them, which brings to view a nucleus in all respects like that of a plumb-stone, being cloathed with a membrane, and having a succulent parenchyma. a, is the stone in its natural size.

SANTONICUM. Fig. 41, 42. Artemisia S. Linn. Worm-seed. Fig. 41 shews the form of a middling seed enlarged by the microscope, for they are of different sizes among one another. This is one of the most singular in its structure, having scarce any thing substantial in it. The four little figures near it are those of a natural size, which are very small, and therefore renders the examination of them the more difficult. The seed has a small end or handle, being the place to which the stem which supports it was fixed, and the other end is bulky and round, having from the hoary handles several bulges all round, which are soft, and so very tender, that the rubbing of the seeds together reduces the surfaces to powder, whereby a large seed may be reduced to a very small one. The seed seems to be entirely composed of thin brittle membranes of an extreme delicate contexture, as at Fig. 42, having a dark center, from which it is transparent outward to the edge all round, and radiated upwards by infinitely fine radii, which do not render it in the least opake. Thus from the very outer surface the seed is composed of these sort of membranes, one after another, till nothing remains behind. Their colour before the naked eye is of a yellowish cast, but before the microscope for opake objects shines in many places like gold.

SCABIOSA MAJOR VULGARIS. Fig. 43 to 46. S. Arvensis. Linn. Scabious. There is no seed perhaps which has more beauties than this of the scabious. Fig. 43 is a view of what botanists call one of the florets, which is a calix to the seed, whose fibres appear to extend themselves over its edges. This cup is of an octagonal form, and makes an appearance like a fine vase, having scallopped edges, and towards the inner part of the edge a whitish ruffled membrane. The ribs run down from its mouth, which is bell-fashioned, and becoming narrower downward, form obtuse angles, by continuing from the bend to form the bottom of the vase. Between these ribs down the bend the vase is clear, though not quite transparent, and from thence to the bottom the ribs are hairy, and make an agreeable figure.

Fig. 44 is the seed taken out of the vase, and drawn in another proportion, wherein appears first its thick body, which is somewhat hoary by the microscope, and runs up with a narrow neck, till it divides into five spiculated fibres, called by Gerard purple thrumbs, whose spiculæ or spines are determined upwards, and are thereby ready to cause the seed to recede from any thing that might injure it upon being touched. The bodies of the vases when first ripe are of a fine lemon yellow, but grow by long keeping darker; and the bason formed by the roots of the fine fibres is of a fine green, but the fibres themselves of a shining brown, like brown sugar-candy, as their spines are also.

Fig. 45 represents the stalk to which the vases stick by their bottoms, all which, when together, form the head mentioned by botanists to be the characters of some species of the scabious. In this figure the body of the stalk appears all stuck full of narrow whitish leaves, and the round spots between their roots are the vestiges of the bottoms of the vases; so that the leaves and vases are mixed together all over the stalk.

Fig. 46 shews a vase with a piece of its side cut out from the edge to the bottom. The bulbous part of the seed is contained in a delicate white membranous case, arising from the inner membrane of the bottom of the vase, and running up about half way the neck of the seed, embracing it pretty close, with a mouth consisting of six or eight sides as beautifully formed as that of any fine cut-glass decanter. The seed is loose in this theca, so that it may be turned round within it, but cannot be pulled out without tearing this beautiful theca, upon account of its narrow neck.

CHAP. XII.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS--A COPIOUS LIST OF MICROSCOPIC OBJECTS. BY THE EDITOR.

Those who have been long accustomed to microscopical investigations will readily admit, that the numerous class of insects, and their several parts, afford some of the most diversified, as well as the most admirable objects for the microscope. To readers of this description, who should be considered as adepts, the following instructions may possibly afford little that is novel, as by constant habit they must be thoroughly conversant in the best manner of procuring and preserving the various objects; it may be, however, reasonably presumed, that there are many persons who have not hitherto devoted their attention to this subject, as well as numbers who, deterred by the imaginary difficulties attending it, have either totally relinquished the pursuit, or made but small progress therein; to such, the directions here given it is hoped will prove an acquisition.

Confident as I am of the delights which this employment affords to the intelligent and industrious admirer of the works of nature, it is to be deplored that so many persons, who possess every requisite for these enjoyments, should remain totally insensible to their attractions; how much might be atchieved, could such be prevailed upon to devote their hours of leisure to so rational a purpose? especially if it be considered how easily these pleasures are to be attained, as well as the tranquillity with which they may be enjoyed.

Investigations of this kind particularly recommend themselves to the attention of the ladies, as being congenial with that refinement of taste and sentiment, and that pure and placid consistency of conduct which so eminently distinguish and adorn those of this happy isle. To the honour of several ladies of eminence be it recorded, that they are proficients in the study of the various branches of natural history, and many others are making considerable progress in this pleasing science; than which, none can possess a greater tendency to sweeten the hours of solitude and anxiety. How infinitely superior to a rational mind is the gratification arising from such pursuits, to those, to which numbers unhappily sacrifice their health and beauty, and frequently the peace of mind of themselves and relatives, by a baneful attachment to the gaming table; and that not owing to intellectual incapacity, but merely from not possessing fortitude sufficient to prefer the improvement of their minds to amusements, for which no better plea can possibly be urged, than that of their being sanctioned by the idol, Fashion.

Actuated by no other motives, than the sincerest respect I entertain for my fair countrywomen, and anxiety for their real welfare, I have presumed thus freely to deliver my sentiments; with greater confidence in the merits of the cause I plead, and reliance on their prudent discrimination, than on the persuasive eloquence of the advocate, I am willing to flatter myself that these remarks may not be entirely ineffectual; at least in warning those who have happily as yet escaped so dangerous a gulf.

Again, how many of my own sex, divested of a taste for rational enjoyments, groan under the oppressive load of listlessness and dissatisfaction; for, independent of the more serious and requisite duties of our respective callings, we require amusements to refresh us in our vacant moments, which if not devoted to some laudable pursuit, will necessarily, like those of too many of our young men of fortune, be sauntered away, or consumed in senseless and illicit delights, eventually productive of infallible ruin to both body and mind; viewed in this light, it may indeed be said, that the situation of men of opulence is of all stations the least to be envied. I cannot, therefore, but earnestly recommend to those entrusted with that important charge, the education of youth, to enforce both by precept and example, their employment of that time which is not engaged in necessary avocations, to some purpose, that, whilst it amuses, may likewise instruct and improve their understandings. These measures are more peculiarly important in times like the present, when idleness, dissipation, and infidelity are with gigantic strides endeavouring to encompass mankind with chains of slavery of all others the most dreadful and pernicious.

I shall close these observations in the elegant language of an admired writer.

“A man that has formed a habit of turning every new object to his entertainment, finds in the productions of nature an inexhaustible stock of materials upon which he can employ himself, without any temptations to envy or malevolence; faults, perhaps, seldom totally avoided by those whose judgment is much exercised upon the works of art. He has always a certain prospect of discovering new reasons for adoring the sovereign Author of the universe, and probable hopes of making some discovery of benefit to others, or profit to himself. There is no doubt but many vegetables and animals have qualities that might be of great use, to the knowledge of which there is not required much force of penetration or fatigue of study, but only frequent experiments and close attention. What is said by the chemists of their darling mercury, is, perhaps, true of every body through the whole creation, that, if a thousand lives should be spent upon it, all its properties would not be found out.

“Mankind must necessarily be diversified by various tastes, since life affords and requires such multitudes of employments, and a nation of naturalists is neither to be hoped or desired; but it is surely not improper to point out a fresh amusement to those who languish in health, and repine in plenty, for want of some source of diversion that may be less easily exhausted, and to inform the multitudes of both sexes, who are burthened with every new day, that there are many shews which they have not seen. He that enlarges his curiosity after the works of nature, demonstrably multiplies the inlets to happiness.”[157]

[157] Johnson.

The characters by which the several classes of insects are distinguished, have been already explained in pages 218 and 219; their transformations have likewise been fully described; I shall now proceed to enumerate the best methods of obtaining them in their different states. Justice to the merits of two eminent naturalists[158] obliges me to mention, that to them I am indebted for a considerable part of these instructions.

[158] Lettsom’s Naturalist’s Companion; Curtis’s Instructions for Collecting and Preserving Insects. Both these tracts are now become very scarce.

Of all the different classes or orders of insects, that called LEPIDOPTERA is not only one of the most numerous, but the most beautiful, with respect to the variety as well as richness of their colours; and, as from the peculiar delicacy of their structure, they require greater care to be used in catching, as well as in preserving them, it will be proper first to speak of, and be more particular in the directions concerning them.

THE METHOD OF PROCURING MOTHS AND BUTTERFLIES.

There are two methods of collecting insects of this kind; first, by breeding; secondly, by catching them in their fly state: of these, the former is by much the preferable mode; as, besides the pleasure which arises from observing the gradual progress of the insects from their egg or caterpillar to their perfect or fly state, they may be killed before they have sustained the smallest injury in the farina or meal of their wings by flying.

The difficulty likewise in procuring the most beautiful and valuable insects of this class in their fly state, renders this method by far the most eligible. Most of the sphinges of Linnæus, or, as they are usually called, hawk-moths, are but seldom met with in their fly state, and when seen on the wing, generally elude the swiftest pursuit; but in their caterpillar state they are frequently found, and easily taken. Thus the caterpillar of the sphinx atropos or jasmine hawk-moth, the largest and most beautiful species of moth this country produces,[159] is often found feeding on the jasmine and potatoe, and sometimes on green elder; the sphinx elpenor or elephant hawk-moth, on the Galium palustre or white ladies-bed-straw; the sphinx ocellata or eyed hawk-moth, on the willow and apple-trees; sphinx tiliæ or lime hawk-moth, on the lime-tree; sphinx lagustri or privet hawk-moth, on the privet; phalæna pavonia or emperor-moth, on the briar, black-thorn, willow, &c. and so of a great number of others.

[159] Desirous as every collector must be of obtaining these moths, it is certain there are many persons still existing, who would consider it as a great calamity were one of them to fly into, or even approach their habitation; and so far from affording the pretty fugitive an asylum, would experience the highest satisfaction at his speedy departure. The reason, if it be not a prostitution of the term, is, that as the plumage on the back of this moth exhibits somewhat of the resemblance of a death’s head, these intelligent prognosticators (naturalists they cannot be called) are fully convinced that this harmless insect must be the harbinger of mortality, and that its appearance infallibly portends speedy death to some one of the family! Indeed, to weak minds, especially if previously debilitated by sickness, such an idea, if permitted to prey upon their spirits, may be productive of fatal consequences, and thus stamp a credit on the prophetic abilities of those sagacious observers of the mysteries of nature. To medical men, who are daily witnesses of the wonderful influence which the mind possesses over the body in a diseased state, such events do not appear at all surprizing.

THE METHOD OF COLLECTING MOTHS, &C. IN THEIR CATERPILLAR STATE.

Independent of the method of collecting caterpillars by an attentive examination of the leaves, and other parts of plants, at those times of the year when they are in full verdure, there is another, viz. by beating the boughs of trees, particularly the taller ones, with long poles, having previously spread a large sheet underneath to receive them as they drop from the trees. By these means many very valuable caterpillars are frequently obtained, which could not otherwise be procured without considerable difficulty. Caterpillars should be handled as little as possible, particularly those with smooth skins; the more hairy ones in general sustain less injury by it. To convey them home with safety, the collector should be provided with a chip box in his pocket; and it would be proper to have it partly filled with fresh leaves.

THE METHOD OF REARING OR BREEDING THEM.

Having procured the caterpillars, our next endeavour must be to rear them. For this purpose; it will be indispensably necessary to afford them an ample supply of the plant on which they are found feeding, and to renew their food as often as the decay of that first procured for them may render it expedient. Insects in this state usually feed voraciously; the caterpillar of the papilio brassica has been known to consume in one day twice its own weight of food. Although many of them live on a variety of food, the greatest part are attached to some particular kind; deprived of which, some species would form objects less beautiful when arrived at their perfect state, and others infallibly perish.

As to many it may prove very inconvenient to supply the caterpillars with fresh food daily, to avoid this trouble, several sprigs of the tree or plant may be put into a wide-mouthed glass filled with water, and the caterpillars placed on them. Most plants may in this manner be preserved fresh for three or four days. The glass, together with the caterpillars and their food, is to be placed in the breeding box represented in the figure annexed, a, shews an opening in the front covered with gauze; b, the door on the side; c, a ring for conveniency of carriage; and a constant supply of fresh food is to be given them, as soon as the former appears in the least withered. The breeding boxes should never be exposed to the scorching rays of the sun, but placed in a cool and shady situation; nor should they contain more than one kind of caterpillar, as some species devour others.

When arrived at their full growth, the caterpillars leave off eating, and soon after, change into the chrysalis or pupa form; previous to which, butterflies spin a little web, just sufficient to suspend themselves by: many of the moths, like the silk-worm, spin a large web, in which they inwrap themselves; and a great number penetrate into the earth, where they spin themselves cases, or change without any spinning, as do most of the sphinges or hawk-moths. It will therefore be necessary to cover the bottom of the box with fine mould to the depth of four or five inches, and keep it constantly moist.

It frequently happens that caterpillars are what the aurelians call stung, that is, have the eggs of the ichneumon-fly deposited in them, of which operation a full account has been given in pages 295-298. Caterpillars, previous to their going into the chrysalis state, generally lose the brilliancy of their colours, and many of them rove about for some time.

After remaining in their chrysalis state till near the time of their coming forth, such as are inclosed in a hard case or spinning, as the phalæna vinula, puss moth; phalæna quercus, great egger moth, &c. are to be carefully freed from it; as the aperture which the insect naturally makes is often too narrow for it to pass through without sustaining considerable injury in its plumage. The opening will be best made, by cutting off the larger extremity of the case, taking especial care not to wound the inclosed pupa or chrysalis.

The learned Dr. Bellardi, Foreign Member of the Linnean Society, &c. a few years since discovered a new method of feeding silk-worms, when they are hatched before the mulberry-trees have produced leaves, or when the tender branches are destroyed by frost: how far this practice may be successfully applied in other instances, seems as yet undetermined; though from some recent experiments, it appears possible that caterpillars may be thus fed in backward seasons. This method consists in giving the caterpillar-the dried leaves of their accustomed food reduced to powder, and gently moistened with water; a thin coating of which must be placed round the young worms, who will immediately begin to feed upon it. The Doctor informs us that the caterpillars of the silk-worm prefer it to any other food, and devour it with the utmost avidity. The leaves should be gathered towards the close of the autumn, before the frost commences, in dry weather, and when the heat is greatest; they must be dried in the sun by spreading them upon large cloths, and after being reduced into powder, laid up in a dry place. Donovan says,[160] that the experiment has been tried with several caterpillars which were nearly full fed on the leaves of thorns and oaks thus prepared, and that they were observed to eat it when no other food was given, but he cannot determine how far they may thrive if fed on that aliment only.

[160] Treatise on the Management of Insects.

THE METHOD OF COLLECTING THEM IN THEIR CHRYSALIS STATE.

Butterflies and moths may often be found in chrysalis under the projection of garden walls, pales, out-houses, in summer-houses, &c. and frequently affixed to the food on which the caterpillar fed. A great variety of moths in the pupa state may with more certainty be found, during the winter months, by digging under the trees on which they feed, particularly under the oak, willow, lime, and elm trees. When they are procured in this manner, they should be placed as soon as convenient in the breeding box before described, and kept covered with moist earth till the ensuing spring; when, as soon as the weather is mild, they may be dug up and placed somewhat nearer the surface of the mould, and in that manner left to come out of themselves. Should the collector not succeed in procuring chrysalides by this method, it will frequently happen that his labour will be amply recompensed by obtaining a variety of beetles.

THE METHOD OF COLLECTING THEM IN THEIR FLY OR PERFECT STATE.

The extreme delicacy of the wings of moths and butterflies will not admit of their being caught without injury, but in nets made of the finest materials. It will be necessary, therefore, that the collector should provide himself with a net properly adapted to this purpose: the one here represented has, after long experience, been found to answer extremely well. Fig. A shews the net expanded ready for use; a exhibits the part made of fine Scotch gauze, which should be previously dyed green; b b, the sticks; these should be of some light wood. To render them compact and convenient for carriage, they are made to take to pieces somewhat in the manner of fishing-rods, and connected by means of screws or hollow brass ferrils fixed to the end of each: there are three of them for each side of the net. Fig. B shews one of the sticks; a, the brass ferril; b, the end of the next stick, which fixes tight into it; to the upper end of the sticks, at c, is joined in like manner a piece of cane bent to a proper shape. Instead of three pieces of wood, as here described, the other stick may consist of one entire piece, and be used as a walking-stick. The gauze must be edged with two pieces of binding sewed together, to receive the sticks when joined; and, as the sticks are taper, so must be the cavity to receive them. At the lower part the gauze is to be turned up about six inches, so as to form a bag, Fig. A, c. At the extremity of the gauze, next the handles, two pieces of tape must be fixed on each side, d d, of sufficient length to pass through a hole bored in the stick, and then be tied in a loop, so as to prevent the gauze from sliding on the sticks. At the upper part of the net where the canes meet, e, the cavity should be closed by a few stitches, that the sticks may shut even together. The net may be about a yard in width when expanded, and the length of it a yard and an half: the size, however, may be varied at pleasure. The gauze should be deprived of its glazing by being soaked for a short time in warm water; but, if dyed green, which is usually the case, this will be unnecessary. The handles are to be held one in each hand, when the net is used.[161]

[161] Though this net be principally intended for catching moths and butterflies on the wing, it maybe usefully applied to another purpose: if one person expand the net under a bush or branch intended for examination, and another shake the bush, or beat it well with a stick, numbers of caterpillars, as well as some of the minuter kinds of coleopterous, and other insects, will fall into the net. By these means moths are likewise often taken, as they remain in a torpid state during the day, sheltered in the bushes.

Besides the gauze net for catching butterflies, &c., the collector should be provided with a pair of forceps, made of steel, about nine or ten inches in length, and of the shape represented in the figure;[162] the fans are to be covered with fine green gauze. This instrument will in many instances be found exceedingly commodious, as being of more general use; it is very portable, and possesses this advantage over the net, that the insect caught in it will be more confined, and consequently not so liable to injure its down. If the insect be met with on the trunk of a tree, paling, or any flat surface, it may be readily caught; if on a leaf, both may be enclosed in the forceps. Whilst in the forceps, it should be pressed with the thumb, or, if the creature be small, with the thumb-nail, sufficient to stupify, but not crush it.

[162] This figure shews the forceps in the proportions in which they have been generally made; I would, however, recommend the fans to be considerably larger, and the handles shorter. The form of the fans has commonly been either hexagonal, or, the worst of all, triangular; experience has taught me that the shape as here given is to be preferred, as being less liable to miss the insects, who are usually upon their guard, and frequently elude the vigilance of their pursuers. A front view of the fans is given, the better to shew their form; but it is obvious that they must be placed in a contrary direction, so as to flap on, not slide over, each other.

The next articles necessary to be provided, will be two or three oval chip boxes, cut sufficiently flat for the pocket, and lined at top and bottom with thin cork; and a cushion well stored with pins of various sizes.

The collector being now furnished with the necessary instruments, it will be proper to give him such instructions as may enable him to use them. With regard to the manner of using the net with expertness and success, this knowledge will be much better acquired by practice than by the most ample description. Harris, in his elegant work, The Aurelian, has been rather diffusive than clear on this subject. Having caught the butterfly or moth in the net, it will be necessary to proceed with caution, as on killing it properly its beauty in a great measure depends. It should not be laid hold of indiscriminately in any part; but by managing skilfully the net, its wings must, if possible, be brought into an erect position or close together; then press the under part of the thorax or breast between the thumb and the fore-finger sufficiently hard to kill the insect. By carefully attending to these directions, the wings will not be distorted or the plumage injured.

The net being now opened, the insect is to be laid hold of by one of its antennæ or horns, and again placed between the thumb and fore-finger; in which situation it is to be held, while a pin proportioned to its size is stuck through the upper part of the thorax or back; it may then be affixed to the pocket-box by sticking the point of the pin into the cork lining. The larger kinds of these insects, especially moths and hawk-moths, which are far more tenacious of life than butterflies, will not expire so readily by this method, as by fixing them upon the bottom of a cork exactly fitted to the mouth of a bottle into which a little sulphur has been put; by gradually heating the bottle till an exhalation of the sulphur takes place, the insect usually dies without injuring its colour or plumage.

THE METHOD OF MANAGING THEM IN THEIR FLY STATE.

Though by the means just described these insects may be caught uninjured, some farther care is requisite in order to make them appear to advantage; this is called setting them, and is performed in the following manner. The insect being stuck through with a pin of a proper size, is to be placed before its wings are become stiff, on a piece of cork, having a smooth surface and covered with white paper. The body of the fly should not be made to touch the cork when the insect is affixed to it, but to stand up some little distance from it, as only the edges of both wings are intended to touch, not the wings to lie flat on the cork. The wings are then to be expanded, as in the figure, with a fine needle, or some sharp-pointed instrument. The instruments used in the operation for the eye called couching, being fixed to taper handles, are peculiarly commodious for this purpose.

The upper edges of the superior wings are to be placed in a line with the head of the insect, and they are to be kept in this situation by means of little braces, formed of card-paper and cut in the shape represented in the figure; a number of which should always be kept in readiness in a small box. These must be proportioned to the size of the wings, and fitted to their shape, by being more or less bent; by a proper attention to which, the spots, &c. on both wings are rendered conspicuous, and the beauties of the insect exhibited in full perfection. To acquire the method, however, of setting them well, requires considerable practice and some ingenuity. After remaining in this position four or five days, or till the insect is become thoroughly stiff, the braces may be taken off, and the insect removed into the store box. The shape of the store box is immaterial; it should, however, be flat, and may be made either of wood, or, which is preferable, of tin. The inside should be lined with thin cork and covered with paper, and some slips of cloth glued to its edges to make it shut closer, and thus exclude as much as possible insects and animalcula; a little camphor tied in a bit of rag, and pinned to a corner of the box, will be found very useful to prevent their depredations.

It is particularly to be observed, that there is a continual succession of insects as well as of plants; some appear with the early primrose, others accompany the late-flowering ivy: so that in this respect, the aurelian and entomologist may regulate their excursions by those of the botanist; the latter would in vain search for the ranunculus ficaria or pile-wort, in the month of July, and the former be equally disappointed in seeking for the papilio cardamines, orange-tip, in the month of August.

Some of these insects continue longer in their fly state, and their plumage is less injured by flying, than others; some continue for a few days only; others, several weeks. In general, moths and butterflies, unless they are caught the first day of their coming out of chrysalis, are of small value; hence arises the necessity of carefully watching those particulars, and of making frequent excursions in order to obtain them in the greatest perfection.

Butterflies are to be caught on the wing only when the sun shines warm. They inhabit a variety of places; the greatest number of them frequent woods, and may be taken in or near them, as the papilio iris, purple emperor; papilio hyperantus, ringlet; and most, if not all the fritillaries. Some delight in meadows, as the papilio jurtina, meadow brown; galathea, marbled white; C. album, comma; rhamni, brimstone: and others frequent gardens, as the brassicæ and rapæ, large and small garden white; others, again, clover fields, corn fields, heaths, lanes, &c. Many of those which frequent woods are taken with much greater facility in the morning, a few hours after sun-rise; at which time they are found feeding on the flowers that grow by the sides of the woods; afterwards, when the sun shines with greater strength, they fly high, and with such rapidity, as not to be taken but with the utmost difficulty.

Moths fly chiefly in the evening, a little after sun-set. Like butterflies, they inhabit a variety of places, and are to be met with in the greatest plenty near woods; they may also be taken in great numbers in the day-time by beating the hedges, &c. more particularly in the afternoon, as the least motion will then put them on the wing. They are likewise frequently met with in the day-time sticking to the bark of trees, on walls, and pales that surround gardens, &c. and may be thus caught in great perfection. Some few, like the butterflies, fly in the middle of the day, when the sun shines warm, over the flowers of honey-suckles, and other plants with tubular flowers. Insects of this species seldom sit to feed, but continue vibrating on the wing while they thrust their tongue or proboscis into the flower.

Geoffroy says that moths may be taken in great plenty by means of a candle or lanthorn carried into or near some wood, towards dark. Independent of the recommendation of authority so respectable, the well-known propensity that moths have to fly towards, and even into candles, has induced some collectors to adopt this method with success; many of the most valuable caterpillars have also been thus obtained.

THE METHODS OF COLLECTING INSECTS OF THE BEETLE KIND.

By these are meant all such, as are included in Linnæus’s first order of insects, under the term COLEOPTERA; these have generally been called scarabæi or beetles: some few of them have obtained distinct English names, as the chaffer, lady-bird, earwig, &c. and all have been divided by Linnæus into genera and species.

The insects of this, as well as the preceding and following order, may be found in their caterpillar or grub state, in which they often prove extremely destructive to the roots of plants; and may in like manner be brought to their perfect or fly state, regard being had to their different manner of feeding. The time and care, however, required for this purpose, is probably more than can be spared by the generality of collectors; the curious entomologist, possessed of both leisure and abilities to engage in the pursuit, will be enabled to establish with certainty the different genera of insects. These insects are generally collected in their fly state: some creep and fly in the day-time when the sun shines warm; others, like the moth, fly in the evening and the night only.

Their habitations are exceedingly diversified: some are found in rotten and half decayed wood, and under the decayed bark of trees, as the lucanus cervus, flying stag, scarabæus cylindricus, and many of the cerambyces; others, among the dung of various animals, particularly of horses, cows, and sheep, as the dermestes, leather-eater; hister, mimic beetle; scarabæus fimetarius, &c. Many of them make holes under the dung three or four inches deep, it will therefore be necessary to have an iron spade to dig them out, when in search of this kind of insects; some reside in the bodies of animals that are become putrid, as the silpha vespillo, carrion beetle, hister, &c. also in moist bones that have been gnawed by dogs, or other animals, on flowers having a fetid smell, and on several kinds of fungous substances; others may be found in the morning about the bottoms of perpendicular rocks and sand-banks, as the curculio, weevil; and brachus, sand-beetle. Great numbers are found on the leaves and stalks of plants, as the scarabæus melolantha, chaffer; coccinella, lady-bird; chrysomela, curculiones, &c. others delight more particularly in the flowers of plants, as the scarabæus auratus: some reside altogether in woods, as many of the cerambyces; some are found swimming on the surface of standing waters, as the gyrinus natator; others in ditches, ponds, &c. as the dytisci; many may be caught in rivers, lakes, and standing pools, by means of a thread net with small meshes, in a round wire hoop fixed to the end of a long pole; some are discovered by the light which they emit, as the lampyris noctiluca, glow-worm; and vast quantities are found on dry banks, sand-banks, sand-pits, &c. particularly when the sun shines warm; numbers may be found in houses, dark cellars, damp pits, caves, and subterraneous passages, as the tenebrio, stinking beetle; or on umbelliferous flowers and in timber-yards. Multitudes live under stones, moss, rubbish, and creeks near the shores of lakes and rivers; these are found also in bogs, marshes, moist places, pits, and holes of the earth, on stems of trees, and in the evening they crawl plentifully along pathways after a shower of rain. Some may be discovered in the hollow stems of umbelliferous plants, as the forficula, earwig.

These insects, as soon as caught, may with a pin of a proper size be stuck through the body, close to the suture that runs down the middle of the back, and then placed in the pocket box, taking care that they do not injure one another from being placed too close together. Or, if the collector be disposed to procure this class of insects, he will find it very convenient, and certainly much less cruel, to carry a number of small pill-boxes in his pocket, in which the insects may be readily secured and kept till he return home, without their suffering any pain; they are then to be immersed in boiling water, that being a most expeditious mode of killing them, and far preferable to their immersion in spirits, in which many of them will live a considerable time;[163] they may afterwards be stuck through in the manner above-mentioned, being careful to make the pin pass a sufficient length through the body of the insect, and then placed on a piece of smooth cork. When they have remained in this situation two, three, or four days, or longer, according to their size, the legs, antennæ, &c. are to be extended with a pair of fine nippers or tweezers, and placed in a natural position; in which they will, if proper care be taken of them, always remain: particular caution should, however, be used not to place them in the store box or cabinet till perfectly dry, as otherwise they will be liable to be infested with animalcula, by which they will soon be destroyed.

[163] “The best method is to inclose them in a chip box, and kill them by exposing the box to the heat of a fire; this treatment will rather absorb than add to the superfluous juices of the insect, and greatly contribute to its preservation.” Donovan.

THE METHOD OF COLLECTING INSECTS CALLED HEMIPTERA.

The genera contained in this order of insects are principally these: viz. blatta, the cockroach; mantis, camel cricket; gryllus, locust, grasshopper, cricket; cicada, flea locust; cimex or bug.

The first of these, the cockroach, has been imported from warmer climates, where these insects are extremely numerous, and far more troublesome.[164] They are found in the greatest plenty here in bakehouses, particularly in the night, their usual time of feeding; they likewise abound in corn-mills, in ships, and in all places where meal is deposited.

[164] In the island of Senegal they do incredible mischief; they gnaw linen, sheets, wood, paper, books, and, in short, whatever comes in their way; they attack even the aloes, the bitterness of which keeps off all other insects. Adanson’s Voyage, p. 296.

All those of the next genus, mantis, are foreign; some of them are extremely remarkable and curious, and from their particular shape, as well as their colour, have been called walking leaves; they are found in meadows, on grass, and on the leaves of plants and trees. The grylli mostly reside in meadows and fields among the herbage; however formidable the mischief occasioned by the blattæ may appear, it is trivial when compared with the ravages of the gryllus migratorius or locust.[165] One species of this genus, the gryllus domesticus, resides in houses, particularly where there are ovens, and entertains the inhabitants with the chirping sound it emits. Most of the fulgoræ or lanthorn-flies are discoverable by the light which proceeds from them; these, like the mantæ, are foreign, and many of them equally curious. The cicadæ are found on trees and plants; the notonectæ and nepæ frequent rivers, lakes, and standing waters. There is scarce a person who has resided any time in a very populous place, but knows where to find one species of the next genus or cimex, viz. that distinguished by the name of cimex lectularius or bed bug.[166]

[165] Adanson relates, that soon after his arrival in Senegal, he was a witness to the mischief done by locusts, that scourge so dreadful to hot climates! Towards eight o’clock in the morning there suddenly arose a thick cloud that darkened the air, and obstructed the rays of the sun; the cause of which was soon found to be myriads of locusts, raised about twenty or thirty fathoms from the ground, and covering an extent of several leagues, upon which a shower of these insects fell, devouring while they rested themselves, and then resuming their flight. This cloud was brought by a very strong easterly wind; it was all the morning passing over the adjacent country, and it was supposed the same wind drove the locusts into the sea. They spread desolation wherever they came; after devouring the herbage, with the fruits and leaves of trees, they attacked even the buds and the very bark; they did not so much as spare the dry reeds with which the huts were thatched. Hasselquist in his Voyage to the Levant, says that “the inhabitants of Asia sometimes take the field against locusts with all the apparatus of war. The bashaw of Tripoli in Syria some years ago raised 4000 soldiers against these insects, and ordered those to be hanged who refused to go.” Amidst the numerous blessings our own favoured isle enjoys, what a happiness it is to be exempted from the ravages of these pernicious insects, as well as from the government of bashaws! In the year 1748 great numbers of the grylli migratorii were seen in London and its vicinity, but they were not productive of any mischief, and soon perished.

[166] These unpleasant domestics were scarcely observed in England previous to the fire of London in the year 1666. It is conjectured that they were afterwards introduced with the limber imported for re-building the houses: allowing this to be the fact, posterity may console themselves with the inconveniences they sustain from this evil, by reflecting how much benefit they have derived in other respects from the unhappy catastrophe which produced it.

These insects may be killed either with boiling water or a few drops of the etherial oil or spirit of turpentine. They are all of them to be stuck through the thorax or back, betwixt the shoulders; the wings of the grylli and some of the others are to be expanded, and kept so by the little braces, and their legs, antennæ, &c. placed in a natural situation.

THE METHOD OF COLLECTING INSECTS CALLED NEUROPTERA.

Those of this class, the fourth order of Linnæus, are chiefly aquatic, residing in the waters as caterpillars, and flying about them in their perfect state. The principal genera are, the libellula, dragon-fly; ephemera, may-fly; phryganea, spring-fly; hemerobius, and panorpa. The libellulæ are considered by the generality of people as containing in them something venomous; and from hence, in addition to the epithet, alone sufficiently tremendous, of dragon-fly, have obtained the several names of adder-spear, adder-bolt, horse-stinger, &c. It must be confessed, that their shape, manner of flight, &c. are such as might readily raise such an idea in the minds of the multitude, who but too often form their decisions from appearances only; but naturalists are unaccustomed to such hasty determinations, and they can safely advise the collector not to be misled by terrific words, nor intimidated from catching them, they being perfectly harmless, indeed more so than the gnats which constitute a part of their food. The butterfly net already described will be very convenient for catching insects of this order, particularly the libellulæ.

They are all of them easily killed, either by pressure of the thorax, or with spirit of turpentine, spirit of wine, or the fumes of sulphur; the same means are to be used in setting them as in the hemiptera.

THE METHOD OF COLLECTING INSECTS CALLED HYMENOPTERA.

The remarks which have just been made on the libellulæ do not apply to insects of this order, the major part of them being armed with stings; some of which are, however, harmless, though others are venomous. The principal genera are, the tenthredo, saw-fly; ichneumon, ichneumon-fly; sphex, ichneumon-wasp; vespa, wasp, hornet; apis, bee; formica, ant; sirex, and chrysis. The tenthredines are found on trees and flowers in their caterpillar state; they feed on the leaves of plants. The ichneumons are found in the same manner; in their caterpillar state, they live chiefly in the bodies of other insects, particularly in the caterpillars of the moths and butterflies, as has been already mentioned. The sphex resides principally in sand-banks, it is also caught on flowers, shrubs and fruits, and about hedges; this insect catches and kills others, which it buries in the sand, having previously deposited its eggs in them. Wasps, bees, and ants, are found on flowers and fruits, and almost on every sweet substance. The chrysis, of which many species are exceeding beautiful, is found flying about old walls, posts, sand-banks, &c. in which it builds its nest. Wasps and bees are the only winged insects that have any great degree of poison in them, they should therefore be taken with the forceps before described, and handled cautiously on account of their stings, which are dangerous. Some, as the mytilla, naked bee, have stings, but no poison, and are to be found on the flowers of umbelliferous plants, when the sun shines hot in the middle of the day; at which time others, as the chrysis, &c. are also to be met with: when caught, a pin is to be stuck through them whilst in the net. It is very difficult to kill these insects without injuring them in some respect; boiling water hurts their wings, and the fine hairs with which many of them are covered; spirits of wine or turpentine prove immediately fatal to some, whilst others are scarce affected by them; and letting them remain transfixed till they are dead, will probably be thought too cruel; it is said, that the best method hitherto practised, is to stick them through with a needle dipped in aqua fortis; the sphinges, and other large moths, are likewise killed in the same manner with the least injury: the reader will adopt either of these methods, or any other he may deem expedient. When dead, their wings are to be expanded, and kept in as natural a position as possible.

THE METHOD OF COLLECTING INSECTS CALLED DIPTERA.

This order contains various kinds of flies and gnats; the former abound in almost every place, but they are found more particularly on all kinds of plants and flowers, especially on the umbelliferous ones, about the tops of trees, little hills, &c. Some of them fly about cattle of various kind, in the skins of which they deposit their eggs, as the oestrus bovis, &c. These insects are easily killed by a few drops of spirit of turpentine: their wings are to be expanded so that their bodies may become apparent; a little brace should be placed underneath them, to prevent their bodies being too much incurvated in drying, which they are very apt to be. Many of these are most easily taken when they begin to feed; for, in the middle of the day they are so quick and active, that it is almost impossible to catch them.

With regard to the last order of insects, distinguished by the term APTERA, they are so common, and the places they inhabit so generally known, that any information on the means of collecting them must be superfluous. Under this class are included spiders, scorpions, centipes, crabs, lobsters, &c. &c. Most of these require to be preserved in some kind of spirit; spirit of wine, proof spirit, or geneva, are to be preferred, on account of their pellucidness; though rum or brandy may, if no other spirit be at hand, answer the purpose of preserving, though not that of exhibiting them with equal advantage.

Those of the genus cancer, after being well dried or carefully baked, may be conveniently preserved in store boxes, or properly arranged in a cabinet collection. The smaller kinds of insects in general, as well as those of the order aptera, are best disposed of between talcs in sliders; such, for instance, as the termes pulsatorium,[167] the several poduræ, pediculi, pulices, acari, &c.

[167] According to Linnæus, this is the minute insect which has been long known by the English name of the death-watch, and described by a number of authors: Linnæus thus notices it; “frequens in domibus, invisum vestibus, herbariis, insectorum museis. Fœmina horologii instar pulsatoria in ligneis festucis.” Syst. Nat. p. 1015. No. 2. Geoffroy, however, says he is confident that it is not from this insect, but from the dermestes domesticus, (Syst. Nat. p. 563, No. 12,) which makes the circular holes in furniture, that the ticking noise proceeds. Hist. des Insectes, Tom. I. p. 111. & Tom. II. p. 602. Neither of these are larger than the pediculus humanus. Again, on the respectable authority of Dr. Shaw, we are assured, that the insect properly called the death-watch is a coleopterous insect of the genus ptinus, Syst. Nat. p. 565. The Doctor says, “it is chiefly in the advanced state of the spring that this alarming little insect commences its sound--the prevailing number of distinct strokes is from seven to nine or eleven--these are given in pretty quick succession, and are repeated at uncertain intervals; and in old houses, where the insects are numerous, may be heard almost every hour of the day, especially if the weather be warm. The sound exactly resembles that which may be made by beating moderately hard with the nail on a table--It is about a quarter of an inch in length.” This very able naturalist has distinguished the insect by the name of ptinus fatidicus, the beating ptinus, and supposes it to be the same with the dermestes tesselatus of Fabricius, and the ptinus pulsator of Gmelin. He also cautions us “not to confound this insect, which is the real death-watch of the vulgar, emphatically so called, with another insect, which makes a sound like the ticking of a watch, and which continues its sound for a long time without intermission: it belongs to a totally different tribe from the death-watch, and is the termes pulsatorium of Linnaeus.” Every one will agree with the Doctor in his remark, that, “it is a very singular circumstance that an animal so common should not be more universally known.” Nat. Misc. vol. iii.

Whichsoever of the three above described is the real insect, it is well known, that for a series of years the dread of it has excited the most uneasy sensations in the minds of the weak and superstitious; an unhappy prejudice which exists even to the present hour, and cannot be totally eradicated by all the powers of reason and argument. Sir Thomas Brown long since observed, “He that could extinguish the terrifying apprehensions hereof, might prevent the passions of the heart, and many cold sweats in grandmothers and nurses.” Pseudodoxia Epidemica, Book ii. Chap. 7. With the feelings of these persons a well-known satirist sports in the following lines:

--------------“a wood worm That lies in old wood, like a hare in her form: With teeth or with claws it will bite or will scratch, And chambermaids christen this worm a DEATH-WATCH: Because like a watch, it always cries click, Then woe be to those in the house who are sick; For sure as a gun, they will give up the ghost, If the maggot cries click, when it scratches the post.”

Swift’s Invective against Wood.

Another poet has also diverted himself with the same subject:

--------------“The weather’s bell Before the drooping flock told forth her knell. The solemn DEATH-WATCH click’d the hour she died.”

Gay’s Pastoral Dirge.

It is remarkable, that though the ignorant despise the minuter parts of creation, as too insignificant to engage their notice, and venture to deride those better informed for their attention to such TRIFLING subjects; yet are those the very persons on whom REAL TRIFLES make the strongest impressions, and by whose credulity an apparently insignificant creature has been MAGNIFIED, so as to become an object of considerable importance in the scale of beings; for, as our great dramatist says of the JEALOUS:

------------“Trifles light as air Are to the TIMID confirmations strong As proofs of holy writ.”

As the collector will have frequent occasion for the use of cork, both to line his boxes with, and to set his insects on, the following directions how to prepare it for these purposes will be found useful.

He may procure the cork in large pieces at any of the cork-cutters; these must be cut into smaller ones, and, in order to make the cork flat, it is to be held before the fire till the heat thoroughly penetrate it; the cork is then to be immediately placed betwixt two smooth boards, and a very heavy weight laid on it; in which situation it must remain till cold. Thus flattened, it is to be rasped on both sides, with such a rasp as is used by the bakers; afterwards, with a finer one; and, lastly, with a pumice-stone; by which it will be rendered perfectly smooth. If the cork be thick, and the purpose of it to line boxes, it may be sawed through the middle, and rasped as before directed.

As, without a due attention to the state of the atmosphere, the collector may make many fruitless excursions, it will be proper to point out to him the kind of weather best adapted for the purpose of ensuring success.

If the day prove fine, and the sun emit much warmth, insects are very brisk and lively; if, on the contrary, the weather should be cold or windy, it will be in vain to attempt catching them on the wing, as at such times insects in general take shelter within the herbage, and instead of flying upwards, which is usually the case when disturbed, they dart into the thickest underwood; or should they rise above the bushes, they are impetuously hurled by the current of the wind far beyond the reach of the net; and, were it otherwise, the collector would find the apparatus unmanageable. Harris says the garden white is as good a token for fine weather as may be; when these flies are out in the morning, it generally prognosticates a fine day.

At day-break many insects are on the wing; and most kinds are observed in hot weather to come forth after rain, to enjoy the humidity of the air; this is the best time for collecting, as their wings are less subject to stiffen before they can be set.

The males of some, if not of every species of moths, and possibly of other insects, by a faculty to us incomprehensible, are able to discover the females, not only at a great distance, but in the most recluse situations. This circumstance has induced some collectors to endeavour to entrap such of the males as are not easily procured by any of the common methods: they enclose the female in a breeding box, and place it as near the usual haunts of the species as convenient; the males will generally be observed soon after fluttering on the box, and endeavouring to gain admission to the females. This artifice has been repeatedly practised with success on the fox and egger moths.

Every species has its distinct time for appearance, which is seldom accelerated or retarded a few days, unless by the unusual mildness or inclemency of the season. If a brood of insects be discovered at a certain season of the year, a brood of the same species will be found precisely at, or near the same period of the year following, except by accident they should have been destroyed. Notwithstanding the observation holds good in general, it is a fact that some insects are very variable in this respect; for instance, the sphinx convolvuli, unicorn hawk-moth, and the papilio hyale, clouded-yellow butterfly, were common about London in the year 1781, but have been very scarce since that time, especially the former; the papilio cardui, painted lady, sometimes disappears for several years. The papilio antiopa, grand surprize or Camberwell beauty, was first discovered in the year 1748, in Cold-arbour lane, Camberwell, and has occasionally disappeared for some years; a few seasons since several were taken in different parts of the kingdom; subsequent to which period, it is not known that even one specimen has been seen. It has been repeatedly ascertained, that, as with plants, so it is with insects, some kinds are confined to one particular spot of ground, and are not to be found in any other part of the same wood; consequently, the haunts being once discovered, the collector may be encouraged to expect meeting with some of the same species for several seasons successively.

Minute moths are to be found in winter as well as summer. It would be scarcely credible, did not experience prove, that when the frost is so intense, as to entirely subvert the appearance and almost annihilate the existence of vegetable productions, within its influence myriads of these delicately-formed creatures brave the inclement season, and exist securely within those habitations which they have the address to construct. A skilful entomologist may at this season in a few hours collect a number of the coleoptera, hemiptera, and lepidoptera orders; several of which are not to be obtained, but in very cold weather.

These insects usually shelter themselves among the moss and other extraneous matters growing on the trunks or branches of trees, or beneath the rotten bark; these substances should be shut close in a box or tin canister, to prevent the escape of those insects that may be revived by the warmth. To examine them, Donovan recommends spreading a sheet of writing paper on a table, and placing a lamp or candle, with a shade of transparent or oiled paper before you, so as to weaken the glare; separate the moss, and shake it loosely in your hand, and you will perceive many insects fall down on the paper. If they be too minute to admit of a pin being thrust through the thorax, they may be fastened with gum-water to small slips of paper.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FITTING UP A CABINET.

To those who delight in subjects of natural history, a good cabinet of insects is esteemed a valuable acquisition: if it be well constructed, and the several objects arranged with judgment, it certainly exhibits one of the most beautiful and admirable assemblages of objects in nature. Such, however, who are disposed to make a collection sufficiently extensive to form a complete one, will find it necessary to devote a great deal of time to the purpose, as well as to be endued with a considerable share of perseverance and ingenuity; those who are possessed of affluence will find it far less difficult to acquire one. The cabinet, to appear with that elegance which the subject deserves, should be of mahogany, well seasoned, and made by a good workman in such a manner that all the joints may fit with the greatest nicety; the form and size may be according to fancy, or the extent of the collection intended to be made.

To form a cabinet sufficiently capacious to receive specimens of all the English insects hitherto discovered, those excepted which, as before observed, are better preserved in spirits or between sliders, I would recommend one on the following plan:

The height may be about three feet four inches, the width two feet four inches, and the depth one foot four inches, inclosed with folding doors, and provided with a good lock. The inside to be partitioned down the middle, so as to admit of a range of twelve square drawers on each side; under these, two or three drawers may be fitted extending the whole width, to admit the larger kinds of insects, such as the sphinges, cancri, &c. the sides and backs of all these drawers should be of cedar, and the fronts mahogany, with a brass ring or button to each. The cork with which their bottoms are lined, must be chosen as free from cracks as possible, and, after being washed several times with a solution of corrosive sublimate in spirit of wine, to destroy the animalcula, glued on to prevent its warping. The whole surface must be made perfectly smooth and level, and this, as well as the sides, covered with imperial paper carefully pasted on, and afterwards moistened with alum-water. The paper should be exactly ruled into squares proportioned to the size of the insects they are intended to contain; and the names of each order and genus affixed according to the system of Linnæus. By way of embellishment, the edges may be lined all round the drawers with narrow slips of some kind of ornamental paper. The fore-part of each drawer should have a thin partition to admit of a proper quantity of camphor, with a number of small air-holes for the more ready diffusion of its effluvia to the insects contained in the drawer: the tops of these partitions must be closed with thin slips of wood laid on them and fitted with nicety, but not glued. To prevent the admission of dust and air, and exhibit the contents to advantage, the top of each drawer must be glazed with the finest glass, fitted into a frame of the same size as the drawer, made either to slide in a groove, or let in on a rabbet.

Having proceeded thus far, it will be adviseable to let the cabinet be thoroughly aired, before any insects are deposited in it, and to be particularly careful that all the insects so deposited be as free as possible from moisture; if the cabinet be then constantly kept in a dry situation, the camphor occasionally renewed, and the air excluded, there is every reason to expect that the several insects may be for a long time preserved in a state of perfection. If, notwithstanding all these precautions, little dusty particles should appear on any of the insects, which is a certain sign of the presence of animalcula, they should be gently wiped with a hair pencil dipped in spirit of wine, or carefully removed into a chip box and placed on the side of a Bath stove for a short time; by these means, if early attended to, they will be sufficiently baked to prevent future injury. A strict adherence to the above particulars, enabled me to preserve the contents of the cabinet formerly in my possession, now the property of Sir John St. Aubyn, Bart. F. R. & L. S. for several years in the most perfect condition, though containing considerably above 2000 articles. Within the same space of time, to my certain knowledge, several valuable collections have been either totally destroyed, or very materially injured; as when once the depredations commence, the destruction proceeds with rapidity, if not speedily prevented.

Those who are desirous of enriching their collection with the productions of other climes, will require a cabinet much more extensive, or, as the subject may be said to be inexhaustible, may devote several to exotic insects only. The collection made by Mr. Drury being, I believe, the most superb which has ever appeared in this kingdom, it may prove agreeable to many of my readers to give them a concise account of it. It is contained in five large cabinets, and consists of two divisions; first, those found in this country, and, secondly, those procured from various quarters of the globe. The English collection contains 2324 different insects, and the foreign one 5066; total, 7380: the latter comprises of coleoptera, 1716; hemiptera, 676; lepidoptera, 1739; neuroptera, 122; hymenoptera, 472; diptera, 312; aptera, 29. The whole of this magnificent collection is regularly arranged, according to the Linnean system, in 144 drawers. Some of the most beautiful objects in this collection are exhibited and fully described in a work published by Mr. Drury, in three vols. quarto, containing on 150 plates about 700 elegantly coloured specimens.

The climate of Asia is particularly favourable to the production of numerous articles in the several branches of natural history unknown to, or not natives of Europe; especially those of the lepidoptera order of insects, numbers of which are remarkably large, and exhibit a variety of the most beautiful colours. This induces gentlemen, previous to their departure for India, to furnish themselves with cabinets at a considerable expense, anticipating the satisfaction they shall enjoy during their residence there, in arranging and depositing therein the several articles they purpose collecting, and entertaining their friends with a view of them. Besides this, they receive commissions from their European friends to collect and remit to them as many as they can, neither party conceiving that this would be attended with any considerable degree of trouble or inconvenience. It may, therefore, not be amiss to introduce here what the Rev. Mr. John, one of the Danish missionaries at Tranquebar, says on the subject.[168] “The rainy season is in the highest degree injurious to collections in every part of natural history, shells and minerals excepted. To obtain a permanent cabinet, if not impossible, is at least very difficult and expensive. Insects, unless carefully preserved in close cases, well secured from the accession of the smallest particle of air, are soon covered with mouldiness; nor are dried fish, stuffed birds, skins of animals, plants, &c. exempted from this inconvenience; if not frequently exposed to the rays of the sun or dried in ovens, myriads of animalcula in a short time form a settlement and inevitably destroy them. All the cabinets received from Europe, lined in the accustomed manner with cork or deal, are here on this account totally useless, besides their being soon disjointed by the heat of the climate. Sail cloth, well pitched and extended on frames, is far better calculated to answer the purpose; a number of these may be placed one above another, at a convenient distance, and the whole supported on light feet: to render them more pleasant to the eye, the linen may be covered as most agreeable either with white or coloured paper. Even the echini, and the smaller marine plants, attract so much dampness as to lose their colours and spiculæ, and fall to pieces, especially if they have not for some time been previously soaked in fresh water, in order to deprive them of their saline particles. Stuffed birds, &c. lose their feathers or hair, and the more soft and tender parts fall off. Consequently, if no ships go from hence during the month of October, but are detained till February, the major part of what I have collected for such of my friends in Europe who are admirers of the wonderful works of the Creator, will be lost to myself and them, besides subjecting me to the imputation of a want of attention and gratitude for favours previously received, than which nothing can be farther from my heart.”

[168] Neuere Geschichte der Missions Anstalten. 48 stück. Halle 1796.

The above remarks, it is hoped, will afford some useful hints to gentlemen intending to visit India; as well as plead in justification of those who, unacquainted with the difficulty of preserving collections in so warm a climate, have previous to their departure precipitately made promises to their friends, which for want of being realized, have too frequently exposed them to unmerited censure.

A COPIOUS LIST OF MICROSCOPIC OBJECTS.

In the introductory part to our author’s list of objects in Chap. X. he very justly observes, that from the nature of the subject the list must be very imperfect, &c. it is not with the vain idea of rendering that complete which he has left imperfect, and which indeed must ever remain so, that the following general list is introduced; but principally with the view of still farther assisting the tyro, and pointing out a variety of articles, that might not otherwise so readily occur to him. In most instances, I have mentioned where the objects may be sought for with a probability of success; to have described them would have exceeded my limits. The specimen here given, will convince the reader, that it would be no very difficult task, so to enlarge this list, as to constitute a volume; but, it is presumed, that in its present state it will be found sufficiently extensive, and of considerable utility. To those who are already conversant with the subject, it may prove acceptable as a kind of index to assist their memories; and to such as may be disposed to form a cabinet, it will serve the purposes of directing them in their choice of the principal objects, and exhibiting some idea of the manner in which they are to be arranged.

I. ANIMALS, AND THEIR PARTS.

THE HUMAN SPECIES, QUADRUPEDS, &C.

The human hair

Horse hair

Hog’s bristles

Mouse hair

Smellers of cats, tygers, &c.

Cuticle, or scarf skin of the human body

The skin itself

Membrana adiposa

Muscular fibres

Nerves

Arteries and veins

Intestines or guts

Lacteals

Lympha ducts

Lungs

Liver

Pancreas, &c.

Brain

Eye, its coats, humours, &c.

Nose, its ossa spongiosa, &c.

Ear, its hair, wax, tympanum, &c.

Tongue, its fibres, nervous papillæ, &c.

Blood, its globules, circulation, &c.

Nails and hoofs in thin slices

Bones, &c. &c.

OBJECTS PECULIAR TO BIRDS.

Feathers and their plumage

Pith of ditto cut transversely

Red combs and gills of cocks

Scaly skin of the legs

Web or membrane of waterfowl

Fleshy fibres, particularly the gizzard

Eggs, their beautiful teints

Coloured iris of the eye in some, &c.

The breast bones and scapulæ of small birds; to which may be added,

The membranaceous wings of the bat

OBJECTS PECULIAR TO FISHES.

Many of these exhibit most beautiful objects, from the elegant variety of the colours and teints of their skins and scales

Their spines

Fins

Fleshy fibres

Sperm or hard roe

Teeth

Brain

Eye, its iris

Lungs and other viscera

Gills

Circulation of the blood in the fins and tails of small fishes

Shells of most kind of shell-fish

Fimbriæ or fringed extremities of shells, &c.

INSECTS.

1. Coleoptera.

The entire insect if not too large

The head

Antennæ

Wings

Elytra

Legs, &c.

Scarabæus auratus, rose-chaffer; on flowers

Dermestes domesticus, the death-watch of Geoffroy

Dermestes pulicaris, flea beetle; on flowers

Ptinus pectinicornis; in old trunks of willows

Ptinus fur; very destructive in cabinets

Ptinus fatidicus (Shaw) death-watch, see page 688.

Gyrinus natator, water-flea

Byrrhus scrophularia; on flowers

Silpha pustulata; on trees

Silpha aquatica

Silpha pulicaria; frequently running on flowers

Cassida viridis on verticillated plants and thistles

Cassida nebulosa; on thistles

Cassida nobilis

Coccinella, 2 punctata; on alder and other trees

Coccinella, 5 punct. in gardens

Coccinella, 7 punct. lady-cow or lady-bird

Coccinella, 9 punct. on trees

Coccinella, 14 punct.

Coccinella, 16 punct.

Coccinella, 22 punct.

Coccinella, 14 guttata; in woods

Coccinella, 2 pustulata; on trees and flowers

Chrysomela tanaceti; on tansy

Chrysomela alni; on common alder

Chrysomela betulæ; on birch trees

Chrysomela polygoni; on grass

Chrysomela polita; on willows

Chrysomela populi; on poplar trees

Chrysomela sanguinolenta; in woods

Chrysomela hyoscyami; on henbane

Chrysomela exsoleta; in gardens

Chrysomela 12 punctata; } on

Chrysomela asparagi; } asparagus

Curculio cyaneus; on willows

Curculio cerasi; on black cherry trees

Curculio pruni; on cherry trees

Curculio acridulus; on plants of the genus tetradynamia

Curculio granarius, weevil

Curculio dorsalis; on the lesser celandine

Curculio pini; on Scotch fir

Curculio lapathi; on docks, particularly water dock

Curculio scaber; on nettles

Curculio quercus; on leaves of oak

Curculio viscariæ; on lychnis viscaria

Curculio pericarpius; on fig-wort

Curculio betulæ; on birch and alder

Curculio beccabungæ; on veronica beccabunga

Curculio alni; on leaves of alder

Curculio fagi; on beech trees

Curculio pomorum; on apple trees

Curculio nucum; in hazel nuts

Curculio scrophulariæ; on fig-wort

Curculio tortrix; in the twisted leaves of poplars

Curculio pyri; on pear trees

Curculio argentatus; in gardens

Cerambyx moschatus;[169] on willows, roses, &c.

Lampyris noctiluca; glowworm

Cantharis ænea; on flowers

Elater castaneus; on the bark of trees in woods

Elater sanguineus; on the bark of trees

Cicindela riparia; } on wet

Cicindela aquatica; } sandy ground

Dytiscus cinereus; } water

Dytiscus sulcatus; }

Carabus granulatus; in fields near London

Carabus crepitans; under stones

Carabus 6 punctatus; on sand near brooks

Carabus 4 maculatus; on sandy banks of rivers

Mordella aculeata; on flowers

Staphylinus murinus; on horse-dung

Staphylinus riparius; on wet sand

Staphylinus chrysomelinus; on sand and near walls

Forficula auricularia, earwig

Forficula minor, small ditto

[169] I have caught great numbers of these on white rose trees and rasp-berry bushes, in the vicinity of London; their smell has to me always appeared approaching nearer to that of oil of rhodium than of musk.

2. Hemiptera.

Parts to be viewed the same as the Coleoptera

Blatta orientalis; in bakehouses and near chimnies

Gryllo-talpa, mole-cricket; chiefly under ground

Gryllus domesticus, house-cricket

Gryllus campestris; under ground

Gryllus grossus, common grass-hopper

Gryllus verrucivorus, great green grass-hopper

Cicada cornuta; on trees, &c.

Cicada spumaria, black-headed frog-hopper, cuckow-spit, or froth-worm; in froth on sundry plants

Cicada viridis; on water plants

Cicada ulmi; on elms

Cicada rosæ; on rose trees

Notonecta glauca, common boat-fly; swims on its back in smooth water

Notonecta striata, brown boat-fly; on water

Notonecta minutissima, little boat-fly; swims on its back

Nepa cinerea, water scorpion; on water

Nepa cimicoides; on water

Nepa linearis; on stagnant water

Cimex lectularius, bed bug

Cimex scaraboides; on flowers in meadows

Cimex corticalis; on trees

Cimex betulæ; on birch trees

Cimex filicis; on fern

Cimex baccarum; on gooseberry bushes

Cimex personatus; in houses

Cimex hyoscyami, scarlet bug; on henbane

Cimex umbratilis; on flowers

Cimex striatus; in woods near Hampstead

Cimex populi; in woods, particularly on the trunk of the poplar

Cimex abietis; on Scotch fir

Cimex lacustris; runs quick on still water

Cimex stagnorum; on stagnant waters

Aphis ribis, currant louse; on the bushes

Aphis ulmi, elm

Aphis sambuci, elder

Aphis rumicis, dock

Aphis aceosæ, sorrel

Aphis lychnidis, campion

Aphis rosæ, rose

Aphis tiliæ, lime

Aphis brassicæ, cabbage

Aphis sonchi, sow thistle

Aphis cardui, thistle

Aphis tanaceti, tansey

Aphis absinthii, wormwood

Aphis jaceæ, knapeseed

Aphis betulæ, birch

Aphis fagi, beech

Aphis quercus, oak; under the bark

Aphis salicis, willow

Aphis populi, poplar

Aphis aceris, maple; on the leaves

Aphis atriplicis; rolled up in the leaves of the grass-leaved orach

Chermes graminis; on grass

Chermes pyri; on pear trees

Chermes scorbi; on mountain ash

Chermes urticæ; on nettles

Chermes alni; on common alder

Chermes quercus; on leaves of oak

Chermes abietes; on fir

Chermes fraxini; on ash trees

Coccus hesperidum, greenhouse bug; on orange trees

Coccus betulæ; on the divarications of the branches of birch trees

Coccus philarides; on canary grass

Thrips junipera; on bark of old trees

Thrips fasciata; on flowers

Thrips physapus; on dandelion, &c. p. 350.

3. Lepidoptera.

Their wings, scales, and feathers, tongue or proboscis, head, eyes, antennæ, chrysalides, eggs, legs, &c.

Papilio cardamines, orange tip; in hedge sides

Papilio Io, peacock; in lanes and hedge sides

Papilio Mæra, great Argus or wall; on walls and banks

Papilio galathea, white marbled; in meadow

Papilio cardui, painted lady; on furzes and teazles

Papilio Iris, purple emperor; in woods

Papilio polychtoros, large tortoise-shell; in lanes

Papilio urticæ, small tortoise-shell; on banks

Papilio maturna, heath fritillary; on heaths

Papilio cinxia, glanville or plantain fritillary; meadows

Papilio paphia, silver wash or great fritillary; in woods

Papilio aglaja, dark green fritillary; in woods

Papilio cuphrosyne, pearl border fritillary; in woods

Papilio quercus, purple hair streak; in bushes

Papilio rubi, bramble or green; in woods

Papilio pamphilus, small gate keeper; in meadows

Sphinx ocellata, eyed hawk moth; on willows

Sphinx populi, poplar hawk moth; poplars and willows

Sphinx tiliæ, lime hawk moth; on lime tree bark

Sphinx convolvuli, unicorn hawk moth; in fields where bindweed grows

Sphinx ligustri, privet hawk moth; in privet hedges

Sphinx atropos, jasmine hawk moth, bee-tyger, or death head; in potatoe fields

Sphinx elpenor, elephant moth; on vines, convolvulus, &c.

Sphinx stellatarum, large bee moth, or humming bird; in gardens on flowers

Sphinx filipendulæ, burnet moth; on grass in meadows

Phalæna pavonia, emperor; on osier grounds

Phalæna rubi, fox; near woods

Phalæna pini, pine lappet; on pines

Phalæna vinula, puss; on barks of trees

Phalæna neustria, lacky; thorns

Phalæna caja, great tyger; on banks

Phalæna villica, cream spot tyger; on banks which face the rising sun

Phalæna monacha, black arches; in woods

Phalæna salicis, white sattin; in willow bark

Phalæna zigzag, pebble; ibid.

Phalæna cossus, goat; p. 334

Phalæna libatrix, furbelow

Phalæna jacobææ, cinnabar or pink underwing; commons

Phalæna pronuba, large yellow underwing; in gardens

Phalæna festucæ, gold spot; in ditches near marshes

Phalæna psi, grey dagger; in bark of willows

Phalæna meticulosa, angled shades; on nettles

Phalæna aceris, sycamore tussock; near sycamores

Phalæna exsoleta, sword grass; in marshes

Phalæna oxyacanthæ, Ealing’s glory; in hedges at Ealing

Phalæna pisi, broom, or favourite; in meadows

Phalæna amataria, buff argus; in lanes

Phalæna syringaria, Richmond beauty; in hedges

Phalæna prunaria, orange; in lanes and hedges

Phalæna verticalis, mother of pearl; on nettles

Phalæna evonymella, small ermine; in orchards

Phalæna salicella, rose; gardens

Phalæna sarcitella; frequent in houses

Phalæna granella; in houses and granaries

Phalæna pomonella, codling or apple tree; in orchards

Phalæna didactyla, brown-feathered; among nettles

Phalæna pentadactyla, white-feathered; in woods

Phalæna hexadactyla, many-feathered; on the lonicera, &c.

4. Neuroptera.

Their wings, head, eyes, antennæ,&c.

Libellula depressa

Libellula Ænea

Libellula grandis

Libellula forcipata

Libellula virgo

Libellula puella

Ephemera vulgata

Ephemera vespertina

Ephemera culiciformis

Ephemera horaria

Ephemera striata

Phryganea bicaudata

Phryganea nebulosa

Phryganea striata

Phryganea rhomboidica

Phryganea flavilatera

Phryganea nigra

Phryganea longicornis

Hemerobius perla, golden eye; on plants, page 206

Hemerobius chrysops

Hemerobius sexpunctatus

Hemerobius formicarum

Panorpa communis; meadows

5. Hymenoptera.

Wings, sting, proboscis, &c.

Cynips glecomæ; in tubercles on leaves of ground-ivy.

Cynips quercus baccarum; in small tubercles on the under side of oak leaves

Cynips quercus folii; in large tubercles on oak leaves

Cynips quercus petioli; in tubercles on the petiolus of oak leaves

Cynips quercus gemmae; in the large imbricated galls on the extreme buds of oak trees

Tenthredo lutæa; on willow, alder, birch

Tenthredo rustica; on willows

Tenthredo scrophulariæ; on fig-wort

Tenthredo rosæ; on rose trees

Tenthredo cynosbati; on hips

Tenthredo caprææ; on willows

Ichneumon comitator; in wasps nests

Ichneumon manifestator; woods

Ichneumon puparum; in the chrysalides of butterflies

Ichneumon aphidum; breeds in the bodies of aphides

Ichneumon globatus; breeds in white silky balls about one inch long, which are found on different plants in meadows

Ichneumon glomeratus; breeds in the caterpillar of the cabbage butterfly

Ichneumon pectinicornis; in the chrysalides of butterflies

Sphex viatica

Sphex cribraria

Chrysis ignita; in walls

Vespa crabro, hornet; builds in hollow trees

Vespa vulgaris, common wasp

Vespa coarctata, small wasp

Apis centuncularis; builds in old trees

Apis rufa, small field bee

Apis mellitica, common hive bee

Apis manicata; on flowers

Apis conica; builds on the ground

Apis terrestris, humble bee; builds deep in the ground

Apis subterranea, great humble bee

Formica herculeana, horse ant, large

Formica rufa; in gardens

Formica fusca, brown, common ant

Formica nigra, black

Formica rubra, little red ant

6. Diptera.

Oestrus bovis, breeze or gad fly, see page 294, note

Oestrus hæmorrhoidalis, see page 295, note

Oestrus ovis, grey fly, see page 296, note

Tipula crocata; in meadows

Tipula lunata; ibid.

Tipula cornicina; ibid.

Tipula plumosa, sea tipula, resembles a gnat, and is frequently mistaken for it

Tipula littoralis; on trees

Tipula monilis; in meadows and on windows, &c.

Musca chamæleon, p. 248

Musca morio; in gardens

Musca pyrastri; ibid.

Musca menthastri; flowers

Musca pipiens; on mint, &c.

Musca inanis; on flowers

Musca pellucens; on rose trees

Musca cæsar; in woods and gardens

Musca cadaverina; on flesh

Musca vomitoria, blue flesh fly

Musca carnaria, common flesh fly

Musca domestica, common house fly

Musca cellaris; frequently found dead in wine and vinegar

Musca putris; breeds in cheese and dung

Musca stercoraria; on dung

Musca vibrans; on trees

Musca flava; on flowers

Musca solstitialis; on thistles

Tabanus bovinus, great horse fly

Tabanus pluvialis; in meadows

Culex pipiens, common gnat, see page 187 note, 623

Culex bifurcatus; in watery places

Culex pulicaris; in gardens in the spring

Conops calcitrans, differs from the common fly, in having a sharp hard proboscis, with which it strikes our legs in autumn

Conops macrocephala; in meadows

Asilus craboniformis, hornet fly; in wet meadows

Asilus forcipatus; in gardens

Asilus morio; in wet woods

Bombylius major, humble bee fly, sucks flowers without resting on them

Bombylius medius; hovers in the air like a hawk, and darts with great celerity

Bombylius minor; in Caen wood, near Hampstead

Hippobosca equina; fastens on dogs and cattle

Hippobosca hirundinis; in swallows’ nests

7. Aptera.

Lepisma saccharina; in the joints of sash windows that are wet and seldom opened

Podura viridis; on plants in April

Podura plumbea; on trees, solitary

Podura villosa; on stones

Podura aquatica; numerous on the leaves of aquatic plants

Termes pulsatorium, the death-watch of Linnæus, p. 688, note

Pediculus humanus, common louse, see p. 619

Pediculus pubis, crab louse

Pediculus bovis, cattle

Pediculus vituli, ibid.

Pediculus corvi, raven

Pediculus gallinæ, capon

Pediculus columbæ, pidgeon

Pulex irritans; see page 616

Acarus reduvius, sheep louse or tick

Acarus ricinus, dog tick

Acarus passerinus; on many species of small birds

Acarus aquaticus; on stagnant water, swims quick

Acarus holosericeus, scarlet spider; on the ground and on plants

Acarus coleoptratorum, beetle-tick; hundreds are found on the belly of a beetle

Acarus longicornis; under stones, &c.

Phalangium opilio, long-legged spider

Phalangium cancroides, scorpion tick; on garden pots, sometimes in houses

Aranea cucurbitina; on fruit trees

Aranea labyrinthica; in fields

Aranea domestica, house spider

Aranea redimita; in gardens

Aranea senaculata, large; on walls, &c.

Aranea scenica, black; on old walls and windows; spins no web

Aranea aquatica, pale brown

Aranea viatica, resembles a crab, moves slow, &c.

Cancer pisum, pea, size of a pea; in mussels

Cancer minutus, minute, smaller than the preceding; among sea weeds

Cancer longicornis, long horned, size of the last

Cancer plati-cheles, great clawed, size of a horse bean

Cancer Bernardus, hermit; in the deserted shells of wilks, &c.

Cancer gammarus, lobster

Cancer homarus; on the coast of Ireland

Cancer astacus, cray-fish

Cancer serratus, prawn

Cancer squilla, white shrimp

Cancer crangon, shrimp

Cancer linearis, linear shrimp

Cancer atomos, atom shrimp

Cancer locusta, locust; frequently skipping in summer on the sea shore

Cancer mantis; Weymouth

Cancer pulex, water flea; in rivulets

Cancer salinus; in Lymington salt water

Monoculus apis; in fish ponds and ditches

Monoculus pulex, very minute; frequent and numerous in stagnant water

Monoculus quadricornis

Oniscus asilus, sea louse

Oniscus entomon, sea wood-louse; on the coasts

Oniscus aquaticus; in clear springs

Oniscus asellus, millepes or wood louse; in old walls, &c.

Oniscus armadillo; under stones

Julus terrestris, feet 200; under stones

Julus sabulosus, feet 240

VERMES.

1. Intestina.

Gordius aquaticus, like a horse hair; in water and clay

Gordius lacustris; in the liver of the pike

Ascaris vermicularis; at the bottom of lakes, and in the intestines of children and horses

Ascaris lumbricoides; in the human intestines

Lumbricus terrestris, earth worm; in the ground and in the human intestines

Lumbricus marinus, sea worm

Fasciola hepatica, gourd worm; in ditches, rivulets, and in the liver of sheep

Fasciola intestinalis; in the intestines of fishes

Fasciola barbata; in the intestines of the sepia loligo

Sepunculus nudus; in the sea

Hirundo medicinalis, common leech; in shallow waters

Hirundo sanguisuga, horse leech; in fresh water

Hirundo geometra; in fresh water

Hirundo muricata, sea leech

2. Mollusca.

Limax ater, black snail; in moist shady places

Limax rufus, red; at the foot of mountains

Limax maximus, large grey; in thick woods

Limax agrestis, small grey; on cabbages

Limax flavus, amber; on plants

Doris argo, sea lemon

Doris verrucosa; Aberdeen

Doris elutrina; Anglesea

Aphrodita acculeata, sea mouse; often found in the stomach of a cod

Aphrodita squamata; Anglesea

Aphrodita minuta; ibid.

Nereis noctiluca, scarce visible to the naked eye; shines by night in the sea, so as to make the water appear on fire

Nereis locustris; in clayey water

Ascidia rustica; Scarborough

Actinea sulcata; rocks of Cornwall and Anglesea

Holothuria pentactes; in the deep

Lernea cyprinacea; in fishponds, adhering to the sides of carp

Lernea salmonea; adheres to the gills of salmon

Lernea asellina; in the gills of cod, &c.

Sepia officinalis, ink or cuttlefish; in the sea

Sepia sepiola; off Flintshire

Medusa cruciata

Medusa aurita, sea nettle

Medusa capillata, sea lungs

Asterias rubens, five-fingered star fish

Asterias glacialis, common ditto

Asterias oculata, dotted ditto

Asterias minuta; Denbigh

Asterias hastata; Cornwall

Asterias nigra; ibid.

Echius esculentus, sea hedgehog; on the coast, near Scarborough

Echius spatagus, sea egg; on the Yorkshire coast

3. Testacca.

Chiton crinitus, hairy chiton; Aberdeen

Chiton marginatus; in the sea, at Scarborough

Chiton levis, lock broom; West Ross, North Britain

Lepas. Animal, triton

Lepas balanus; adhering to rocks and shells

Lepas balanoides, acorn fish; frequently adheres to oysters

Lepas tintinabulum; on bottoms of ships

Lepas anatifera, barnacle, see page 344

Pholas. Animal, ascidia

Pholas dactylus, piddock; in stones, shines by night

Pholas crispatus; frequent on the Yorkshire coast

Solen. Animal, ascidia

Solen siliqua; frequent on the shore near Scarborough

Solen vagina; Anglesea

Solen pellucidus; ibid.

Solen legumen; ibid.

Tellina. Animal, tethys

Tellina cornea, size of a pea; in pools of fresh water

Cardium Animal, tethys

Cardium echinatum; on the Yorkshire coast

Cardium edule, common cockle

Mactra. Animal, tethys

Mactra solida; on the Yorkshire coast

Mactra lutraria; sea, at the mouth of rivers

Donax. Animal, tethys

Donax trunculus; on the coast near Scarborough

Ostrea maxima, large scallop; on the Irish coast, and near Portland

Ostrea obliterata, small scallop

Ostrea edulis, common oyster

Anomia truncata; in limestones

Anomia crispa; in bluish limestone, in Craven, and other parts

Anomia squamula; on oysters, crabs, and lobsters

Anomia ephipium; adhering to oyster shells

Mytilus. Animal, ascidia

Mytilus rugosus; in lime-stone

Mytilus edulis, common muscle

Mytilus cygneus; in many lakes in the north

Buccinum. Animal, limax

Buccinum lapillus, larger English purple fish; on the shore

Buccinum minimum, less than a pea

Helix, snails. Animal, limax

Helix lapicida; in woods in Lincolnshire

Helix planorbis; in rivulets

Helix cornea; in still rivers and pools

Helix vivipera; ibid.

Helix putris; in rivers and pools

Serpula. Animal, terebella.

Serpula spirorbis; adheres to sea weeds on the coast

Sabella. Animal, nereis

Sabella alviolata, English tubular sand coral; on the Yarmouth coast, and on Peington strand, Devon

4. Lithophyta.

Coral, calcareous, fixed, built by animals

Madrepora. Coral, with cavities, lamellosa-stellated. Animal, medusa

Madrepora musicalis; on the Irish coast

Millepora. Animal, hydra

Millepora fascialis, stony foliaceous coralline; adhering to an oyster shell, on the coast of the Isle of Wight

Cellepora, coral, submembranaceous, composed of round shells. Animal, hydra

Cellepora pumicosa, appears in the microscope like a pumice-stone; found on the sickle coralline, like white sand

5. Zoophyta.

Gorgonia placomus, warted sea fan; on the Cornish coast

Gorgonia anceps, sea willow

Gorgonia flabellum, Venus fan

Alcyonium. Florets, hydræ, between the cortex; epidermis vesicular, porous

Alcyonium digitatum, dead-man’s hand; frequently taken up by fishermen trawling for flat fish on the Kentish coast

Alcyonium schlosseri; on the Cornish coast

Alcyonium ficus, sea-fig; near Sheerness

Spongia oculata, branched sponge; on the coast

Spongia dicotoma, forked sponge; on the Cornish and Yorkshire coasts

Spongia lacustris, creeping sponge; at the bottom of lakes in Westmoreland

Spongia fluviatilis, river sponge; in the Thames, Cam, &c.

Flustra foliacea, broad-leaved horn-wrack; on the coast

Tubularia indivisa, tubular coralline

Tubularia ramosa, small rarified tubular coralline

Tubularia fistulosa, bugle coralline

Tubularia campanulata, creeping, extremely minute

Corallina officinalis, coralline of the shops; fixed to rocks and shells, by stony joints

Corallina rubens, crested or coxcomb coralline, like moss in round tufts, resembling a bird’s crest; the microscope shews the filaments to be dichotomous

Corallina corniculata, white slender-jointed coralline; adheres to small fuci

Sertularia rosacea, lily-flowering oralline; on oysters

Sertularia pumila, sea-oak coralline; about Sheerness

Sertularia abietina, sea-fir; on oysters, muscles, &c.

Sertularia argentea, squirrel’s tail; on oysters in the Isle of Shepey

Sertularia cornuta, very minute--with many others

Vorticella, see page 396 & seq.

Hydra, see page 363 & seq.

Tænia solium; in the intestines of various animals

Tænia vulgaris, common tapeworm; in the intestines of men and brutes

Animalcula infusoria, see page 428 & seq.[170]

[170] Those who are desirous of seeing well delineated and elegantly coloured figures of a variety of curious objects among the insect class, particularly such as require investigation by the microscope, will be amply gratified by having recourse to Donovan’s History of British Insects. From the Naturalists Miscellany, by G. Shaw, M. D. F. R. & Vice Pres. L. S. numbers of beautiful subjects may likewise be selected.

II. FOSSILS.

Ketton or kettering stone

Spar opake; in mines in Wales, Derbyshire, &c.

Spar refracting; in lead mines in Derbyshire, &c.

Spar diaphonous; in various parts of the kingdom

Spar stalactitical, Knaresborough, &c.

Fluor transparent, diaphonous resembling emeralds, saphires, topazes, amethysts, &c.

METALS.

Aurum nativum; said to be found in some rivers in North Britain

Argentum mineralizatum; in small quantities in lead and copper ores

Plumbum galena, lead glance; in various parts of England

Plumbum stibiatum, antimonial lead ore

Plumbum crystallinum, lead crystals

Plumbum spatosum, lead spar

Plumbum calciforme, lead ochre

Plumbum nativum, native lead

Cuprum nativum

Cuprum cæruleum montanum, mountain blue; in the mines of Derbyshire

Cuprum viride montanum, mountain green; in copper mines of England, Ireland, and the Isle of Man

Cuprum rubrum, glass copper ore; generally found with native copper

Cuprum cinereum, grey copper ore

Ferrum crystallinum, crystalline ore; Forest of Dean, Langron in Cumberland

Ferrum cærulescens, bluish ore

Ferrum micaceum, glimmer

SEMI-METALS.

Vismutum ochra, flowers of bismuth

Vismutum mineralizatum, bismuth ore

Antimonium striatum, striated antimonial ore

Antimonium rubrum, red antimonial ore

PETREFACTIONS.

Animals, or parts of animals, changed into a fossile substance

Vermes.

Helmintholithus ammonita, nautilus; in strata of earth and stones, on the sea-shore, &c.

Helmintholithus anomites; in great abundance, particularly at Sherborne in Gloucestershire

Helmintholithus gryphites; in chalk hills, &c.

Helmintholithus judaicus; in many parts, particularly chalk pits in Kent

Helmintholithus echinites; Surrey, Essex, Kent, Middlesex, in chalk and gravel pits

Helmintholithus astrion, sea-star; in chalk pits, &c.

Helmintholithus astroites, star stone; Gloucestershire, Norfolk, &c. and many more.

Vegetables.

Phytolithus plantæ; grass, reeds, horse-tail, &c. found in the black slate called plate, immediately above the pit coal, in various parts of England.

Phytolithus filices, ferns; ditto, Newcastle, &c.

Rhizolithus, roots of trees and plants buried in the earth

Lithophyllum, leaves of trees; at Knaresborough, also impressed in stone

Carpolithus, fruits, particularly impressions of the cones of pines, hazel, oak

Fishes.

Ichthyolithus siliquastra, fossile pods, often resembling half the pod of a lupine, &c. sometimes extremely minute, at other times near two inches long.

Ichthyolithus vertebra, of various genera, often in pits and quarries, particularly at Richmond in Surrey, on the cliffs of Shepey Island, &c.

Insects.

Enthomolithus cancri, claws, or parts of claws; in pits in several parts of England

Shrubs.

Graptolithus dentrides, representing shrubs, plants, or moss; on various stones, slates, and flints, in many parts of England, &c.

III. VEGETABLES.

Having thus enumerated a considerable variety of articles in the animal and fossile kingdoms, the only part which remains to be noticed is that of vegetables. To any person possessing but a superficial knowledge of botany, it must be obvious that this branch of natural history is extensive in the extreme; and that, consequently, to point out but a small number of such plants as form interesting objects for the microscope, would greatly extend this list, already sufficiently large; for,

“How incompetent is human effort to portray the beauties of this sublime subject! How inadequate the most descriptive talent to approximate to our view the vegetative profusion contained within the recess of nature! How limited have been our public researches! How contracted the knowledge which has been as yet obtained! What an incomprehensible store remains yet concealed, impenetrable to mortal view!”[171]

[171] Observations on the Structure and Economy of Plants, by R. Hooper, M. D., F. L. S. page 128. This work contains an ingenious display of the analogy which subsists between the animal and the vegetable kingdom.

From a source so abundant, the botanist will be under no difficulty in selecting for himself; those who have not made the science a part of their studies, will be materially assisted by having recource to the elegant figures and their descriptions in the Botanical Magazine, by W. Curtis, F. L. S. the well-known author of Flora Londinensis; and English Botany, by J. E. Smith, M. D. F. R. & Pres. L. S. published by Ja^{s}. Sowerby, F. L. S. I shall, therefore, just mention in general terms those parts of plants which are peculiarly adapted for microscopical investigation. These are as follow:

The trunk, composed of Epidermis or cuticle Cortex or outer bark Liber or inner bark Alburnum Lignum or wood Medulla or pith The root cut transversely or longitudinally Leaves and their fibres The parts of fructification, consisting of The calyx or flower cup corolla or foliation, containing the leaves or petals, and the nectarium stamina or threads, their filaments and anthera or summit, and the pollen contained therein[172] The pistillum or pointal, its germen, style, and stigma pericarpium, seed vessel, or germen grown to maturity semina, seeds and their parts receptaculum, the base on which the fructification is seated

[172] The pollen or meal is a fine dust designed for the impregnation of the germen; a small quantity of this meal being put into hot water and applied to the microscope, will exhibit the bursting of the elastic covering of each grain; and the escape of the smaller atoms, which is the true farina.

Of the various classes of plants, that called cryptogamia is eminently calculated for microscopical observation; comprizing the filices, the musci, the algæ, and the fungi. On these subjects Hedwig has produced a valuable work, entitled Theoria Generationis et Fructificationis de Plantarum Cryptogamicarum, of which a new and much improved edition has just appeared, and to which for further information I refer the reader.

A LIST OF MR. CUSTANCE’S VEGETABLE CUTTINGS, THAT USUALLY ACCOMPANY THE MOST COMPLETE SORT OF MICROSCOPES MADE BY MESSRS. W. AND S. JONES.

English oak. Evergreen ditto. Norway oak. Ash. Cedar. Cork. Savin. Fir. Ceanothus. Hazel. Lime. Elm. Elm root. Mulberry ditto. Grape root. Lime ditto. Beech. Birch. Plum. Ivy. Spanish elder. American climber. Cissampelos. Virgin’s bower. Magnolia grandiflora. Gelder-rose. Althæa frutex. Tulip tree. Ash. Spanish chesnut. Platanus orientalis. Viburnum lantana. Oak root. Ash root. Asp root. Walnut ditto. Grape vine. Indian turpeth. China root. Jasmine. Dog rose. Raspberry. Barberry. Briar. Elder root. Ditto branch. Willow root. Ditto branch. Mulberry. Fig. Sycamore. Maple. American dogwood. Ptelea trifoliata. Ligneous night-shade. Sumach. Apricot. Medlar. Bay. Laurel. Sea weed. Longitudinal cutting of plane tree. Ditto of Spanish elder. Ditto of briar. Common cane. Ditto with curious center. Bamboo cane. Sarsaparilla. Longitudinal cuttings of sugar cane. Elder. Rose tree. Mugwort. *Longitudinal slices of elder. *Ditto grape vine. *Transverse ditto. *Dogwood. *Plane tree. *Beech. *Grape vine. *Spanish chesnut. *Walnut. *Fig. *Ditto longitudinal. Asparagus. Artichoke. Thistle. Fennel. Parsley. Ditto root. Sunflower. Ditto root. Agrimony. Eryngo. Potatoe stalk. Centaurea. Indian reed. Ditto corn. Amaranthus. Bromelia pinguin. Campanula. Monkshood. Lavatera. Solidago. Mugwort. Chrysanthemum. Helianthus. Wormwood. Bulrush. Portugal reed. Burdock. Ditto. Wild mustard. Aloe flower stalk. Solomon’s seal. Tulip. Calamus aromaticus. Buckbean. Gourd. Melon. Crown imperial. Flower-de-luce. Pine apple. White lily. Asparagus. Ragwort. Water flag. Sugar cane. Stems of leaves of hog’s fennel. Hemlock. Chesnut. Wild turnip. Stems of the leaves of red dock. Horse-radish. Cabbage. Carrots. Roots of phytolacca. Teasel. Carrot. Fennel. Stinging-nettle roots curiously variegated. Roots of parsley and wormwood variegated. Stalks of fern, with variations.

N. B. Those marked with an * Mr. Custance conceives prove Dr. Hill in an error, when he observed, that the pith of a shoot is not connected with the pith of the branch. See his Construction of Timber, &c. p. 103, 8vo edition.

SALTS, AND VARIOUS CHEMICAL PREPARATIONS.

SALTS.

Salt ammoniac, crude Salt ammoniac, volatile Salt of amber Salt of Benjamin, commonly called flowers of Benjamin Salt of berberry Salt of buckthorn Salt of butcher’s broom Salt of carduus Salt of chamomile Salt of coral Salt of cucumber Salt, Epsom, so called Salt of fennel Salt gem Salt, glauber’s, vitriolated natron Salt of hartshorn Salt of lavender Salt of lead, commonly called sugar of lead Salt of limons Salt of liquorice Salt of millepedes Salt of mugwort Salt of nitre, or salt petre Salt of Peruvian bark Salt polychrest Salt Rochelle Salt of tartar Salt of tartar vitriolated Salt of tobacco Salt of urine Salt of wood sorrel Salt of wormwood, and a great variety of others.[173]

[173] To ascertain the true configurations of salts, particular attention should be paid to obtain them genuine; it may therefore be proper to apprize the reader, that some of those above enumerated are not easily procured in that state; consequently, though they exhibit pleasing figures, yet they may not be those of the real salt purposed to be investigated. Many hundred weights of some salts are annually manufactured, and sold under names very different from what they really are. Nor is this circumstance confined to salts only: for want of botanical knowledge, preparations of different plants have been frequently sold possessed of medical properties very different from those intended. A valuable medicine, the extract of Hemlock, for instance, instead of being prepared of the conium maculatum, has been made in large quantities of the chærophyllum sylvestre, and thus administered! On this unpleasant subject I could enlarge, were it not digressing from that before us. Whilst such evils exist, need we wonder if the physician as well as the patient are often disappointed in the beneficial effects expected from the adhibition of medicines?

PREPARATIONS OF MERCURY.

Acetated quicksilver Calcined ditto Calomel Muriat, commonly called corrosive sublimate Red nitrated, or red precipitate Sulphurated, or factitious cinnabar

MISCELLANEOUS.

Camphor Crystals (called cream) of tartar Iron, ammoniacal, or martial flowers Verdigrise, ditto distilled Vitriol, blue, or vitriolated copper Vitriol, green, or vitriolated Iron Vitriol, white, or vitriolated zinc, &c. &c.

After having particularized so many of the works of NATURE, let us now pay some attention to those of ART. But what an humiliating contrast shall we meet with! If our design in viewing objects by the microscope be to discover beauty, harmony, and perfection, it will be necessary to limit our inquiries to the former, happily alone sufficiently abundant; if, on the contrary, we are desirous of discovering deformity and imperfection, we must confine ourselves to the latter. Even those works of art that appear to the unassisted eye as decisive proofs of consummate skill in the workman, and which excite our admiration for their apparent neatness and accuracy, when brought to this test, exhibit their real state; and, consequently, tend but to display the inferiority of the most finished performance of the ablest artist, when put in competition with the glorious productions of nature. The finest works of the loom and of the needle, if exhibited with the microscope, prove so rude and coarse, that were they to appear thus to the naked eye, so far from affording delight to our belles, would be rejected with disgust. But the more we inquire into the works of nature, the more fully are we satisfied of their divine origin: in a flower, for instance, we see how fibres too minute for the unassisted sight are composed of others still more minute, till the primordial threads or first principles are utterly indiscernible; whilst the whole substance presents a celestial radiance in its colouring, with a richness so superior to silver or gold, as if it were intended for the cloathing of an angel, and we have the highest authority for asserting, that the greatest monarch of the East in all his glory, was not arrayed like one of these. A very few specimens of art will, therefore, suffice.

The edge of the sharpest razor or penknife Teeth of rasps and files Threads of the finest screws Finest engravings on gold, silver, copper, &c. Coins, medals Seals, intaglios Best executed miniature paintings, prints, drawings, &c. The finest laces, silks, and ribbons Smallest needles, pins, &c. Woolen and linen cloth, plain or printed; camblets, bombazeens, &c. A drop of ink on paper Paper, from the coarsest to the finest The writing of the ablest penman The finest specimens of the typographic art, &c. &c.

An inspection of a few of the above articles only will clearly demonstrate, that as in the moral and political world, so in the works of art, perfection is unattainable by mortal man. With the fullest impression of which truth in the mind of the editor, and an appeal to the candour of his readers towards those imperfections which they may have discovered in this performance, he shall now conclude with,

FINIS.

ADDITIONS.

The following is a new, useful, and ready method of making globules for microscopes, differing from the customary one described in page 8, and is extracted from Mr. W. Nicholson’s scientifical Journal of Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, and the Arts. No. 3, June 1, 1797. p. 134.

“The usual method has been to draw out a fine thread of the soft white glass called crystal, and to convert the extremity of this into a spherule by melting it at the flame of a candle. But this glass contains lead, which is disposed to become opake by partial reduction, unless the management be very carefully attended to. I find that the hard glass used for windows seldom fails to afford excellent spherules. This glass is of a clear bright green colour when seen edgeways. A thin piece was cut from the edge of a pane of glass less than one-tenth of an inch broad. This was held perpendicularly by the upper end, and the flame of a candle was directed upon it by the blow-pipe at the distance of about an inch from the lower end. The glass became soft, and the lower piece descended by its own weight to the distance of about two feet, where it remained suspended by a thin thread of glass about one five-hundredth of an inch in diameter. A part of this thread was applied endways to the lower blue part of the flame of the candle without the use of the blow-pipe. The extremity immediately became white-hot, and formed a globule. The glass was then gradually and regularly thrust towards the flame, but never into it, until the globule was sufficiently large. A number of these were made, and being afterwards examined by viewing their focal images with a deeper magnifier, proved very bright, perfect, and round.”

* * * * *

The opake solar microscope has been made by the late Mr. Martin of larger dimensions than described in page 106. The illuminating lens, at A B, Plate V. Fig. 1, and the breadth of the mirror were about four inches and an half, instead of three inches, which gives more than double the light of the former; and, consequently, all the larger sort of opake and transparent objects, to the size of one and an half or two inches in diameter, as well as diverting objects painted on glass, like the magic lanthorn sliders, are shewn with the greatest distinctness, and has by Mr. Martin been called the MEGALASCOPE of the apparatus.

The same ingenious and learned artist applied a lattice of small squares about one-tenth of an inch, each square made of fine wire, or lines drawn strongly on glass in a circle of one inch in diameter, and placed these in the compound body of a microscope or telescope, in the focus of the glasses next to the eye. And having a copper-plate lattice of squares disposed into a circle, and to any size as may be wanted, the observer or artist may then with great facility make an exact drawing on the paper of the object observed. The same contrivance is applicable to the solar microscope. This he called the GRAPHICAL MICROSCOPE OR PERSPECTIVE.

Page 127, line 24--Any pocket telescope, the drawers of which are made to allow of a further extension than usual, may be used as a compound microscope for examining birds or insects alive, in a garden on the flowers, shrubberies, &c. from a window near to the objects. There are few pocket achromatic telescopes or perspectives, but what will define and magnify objects from about six feet to any distance from the instrument. The magnifying power is inversely as the distance of the object from the telescope, and, consequently variable in an infinite degree; on which account Mr. Martin named it the POLYDYNAMIC MICROSCOPE.

LIST OF THE PRICES

AT WHICH THE MICROSCOPES AND APPARATUS ARE MADE AND SOLD BY MESSRS. JONES, HOLBORN, LONDON.

Plate VIII. Fig. 8. A triple magnifier, tortoise-shell and silver 1 1 0

---- 7. A ditto to combine, in tortoise-shell 0 8 0

VI. 14. A small pocket microscope for insects or flowers 0 7 6

---- 1. Dr. Withering’s pocket botanical microscope 0 15 0

---- 2. Jones’s universal pocket microscope, according to the apparatus, from 1l. 6s. to 2 10 0

II. B. 1 and 2. Wilson’s screw-barrel, or single microscope, 2l. 12s. 6d. to 3 13 6

---- 3 and 4. ---- opake microscope, 2 2 0

VII. B. 3. Ellis’s aquatic microscope 2 12 6

VI. 3. Lyonet’s anatomical microscope 2 12 6

VII. A. 1, &c. Cuffs double constructed microscope and apparatus, in a case 5 15 6

IV. 3. Culpeper’s compound microscope and apparatus, in a mahogany case 4 14 6

---- 1. Jones’s improved universal ditto, and apparatus 6 6 0

---- 2. ---- best and most improved ditto, with a greater variety of apparatus, packed in a mahogany case 10 10 0

Ditto, with the additions of a set of micrometers and vegetable cuttings 12 12 0

VI. 4, 5, &c. Transparent solar microscope and apparatus in brass, in a mahogany case 5 15 6

V. 1, &c. Opake and transparent solar microscope and apparatus, with objects, &c. in ditto case 10 10 0

Ditto with additional apparatus for large objects, called a megalascope, &c. 12l. 12s. to 16 16 0

III. 1, &c. Lucernal microscope, as mounted by Adams, with apparatus, complete 20 0 0

IX. 3 and 4. Jones’s improved ditto, with or without rack-work to the stage, and other additions, from 12l. 12s. to 18 18 0

---- 6. Lanthorn microscope 6 6 0

VIII. 3. Pocket achromatic 20-inch telescope and microscope 3 13 6

IX. 1 and 2. Cutting engine for slices of vegetable objects 3 3 0

II. A. 10. Micrometers on pearl or glass, in sets, from 10s. 6d. to 2 2 0

Ivory sliders prepared for transparent objects, per dozen 0 12 0

Custance’s fine vegetable cuttings in large ivory sliders, from a set of six sliders to four dozen, per dozen 1 10 0

Bottles of salts for configurations, packed in mahogany portable cases, according to the number, from 2l. 2s. to 5 5 0

Magazines of microscopical apparatus, with collections of objects, fitted up to any extent and to order.

INDEX.

A.

Abdomen of insects, 201

Activity of minute animals, 212, note 427

Adams improves lucernal microscope, 21

---- ---- ---- described, 64

Advantages of microscopes, whence derived, 45

Æpinus, his microscopic telescope, 3, 22

Agility of jerboa, note 212--kanguroo, ibid.

Air destroys and produces animation, 173

Anatomical microscope, Lyonet’s, 122

Angle of incidence, what, 32--of refraction, ibid.

Animalcula, a variety of diseases attributed to them, note 433

---- in teeth, their existence doubted, note 432

---- in infusions, to procure, 151

---- infusoria, history of, 415

---- ---- erroneous opinion concerning them, 421--refuted, 423

---- ---- monas, 430--proteus, 436--volvox, 437--enchelis, 443--vibrio, 451--cyclidium, 479--paramæcium, 482--kolpoda, 484--gonium, 489--bursaria, 491--cercaria, 492--leucophra, 500--trichoda, 507--kerona, 530--himantopus, 533--vorticella, 536--brachionus, 563--additional, 570

Antennæ of insects described, 190--conjectures on their use, note 191, 192

---- their characters, 192

Ants, white, or termites, history of, 308

Aphides, their transformations, 260

---- ---- generation, 274

---- ---- ---- experiments on by Bonnet, 274

---- ---- ---- ---- by Richardson, 275

Apis or bee, its proboscis to dissect, 144

---- sting to dissect, ibid.

---- proboscis described, 181

---- generation of, 279

Apparatus to Cuff’s microscope, 90

---- Adams’s lucernal microscope, 77

---- Jones’s improved microscope, 96

---- most improved, 101--additional, 102

---- Culpeper’s microscope, 105

---- Martin’s opake solar, 109

Aptera, order of insects, 220--to collect, 687

Aquatic microscope by Ellis, 119

Aranea or spider, 621

Argand’s lamp described--the management of, 69

Aristotle, polypes mentioned by, note 360

Athens, cruelty punished at, note 152

Augustine (St.) polypes not unknown to him, note 359

B.

Baker, his method of viewing particles of blood, 149

Banks (Sir Jos.) his approbation of Walker’s publication on shells, 630

Barbut, his remedy for sting of gnats, note 188

---- his opinion on sense of hearing in insects, note 217

---- on the brent goose, note 347

Barker’s compound microscope, 17

Barnacle, or lepas anatifera, beard of, to prepare, 145

Bee, its proboscis to dissect, 144

---- sting, to dissect, ibid.

---- proboscis described, 181

---- generation of, 279--Schirach’s account of, 280--Debraw’s ditto, 281

---- fecundity of, 290

Beetle, its transformations, 242

---- diamond, its transcendant beauty, 204

Beetles, to procure, 680

Blatta, cockroach, mischief occasioned by them, note 683

Blea of vegetables, to prepare, 162

Blood, its circulation and particles to examine, 148

---- ---- in flounders, &c., 149

---- ---- in tails of eels, ibid.

Boat-fly, its wings, 143

Body of insects, 200

Bones, to examine, 146

Bonnet, theory of transformation of insects, 261

---- experiments on aphides, 274

---- on the interior structure of vegetables, 575

Botanical microscope by Withering, 123

---- ---- pocket and universal, 124

---- magnifiers, 125

Box, breeding, figure of, 671

Brain of insects, to prepare, 146

Brass micrometer, by Coventry, 60

Breeze-fly, its proboscis to dissect, 144

Brent-goose, curious idea of its origin, 346, note 347

Buffon, his hypothesis, 421

---- refuted by Ellis, 423

Bug, bed, described, 618--introduced after the fire of London, note 684

Butterfly net, figure of, 674

Butterflies, wings of, 144, 207

---- remarks on their substance, note 207

---- proboscis of, 186

---- and moths, to collect and preserve, 669

---- figure of the manner of setting them, 677

C.

Cabinet, instructions for forming, 693

---- how to preserve insects in, 694

---- Drury’s, short account of, 695

Cantharis, its value in medicine and commerce, note 175

Cast skin of insects, to prepare, 145

Caterpillars, habitations of, 325

Cavallo applies pearl micrometers to telescopes, 60

Change of insects to pupa state, 229--to fly or perfect state, 236

Chrysalis, see pupa

Chrysomela asparagi described, 353

Cimex striatus described, 352

---- lectularius, 618

Circulation of blood, to examine, 148

---- in eels, flounders, and gudgeons, 149

Clark, his account of British oestri, note 294

Cochineal, to prepare tincture of, 61

---- its beautiful dye, note 175

Compassion to animals formerly not regarded, note 177

Coleoptera order of insects, 219

---- to collect, 680

Configurations of salts, to prepare, 163

---- ---- to view by the microscope, 166

Conjectures on the use of antennæ, note 191, 192

---- on sense of hearing, and on sounds proceeding from insects, note 216

Construction of timber, 575

Cossus, caterpillar of, described, 334

Coventry, his glass, pearl, &c. micrometers, 60

---- ---- ---- ---- how used, ibid.

Creation, wisdom of God in the, 167

---- providence in ditto, 174--goodness, 175--the effect it ought to produce, 176

Criteria, distinguishing, of insects, 216

Cruelty to animals, reflections on, 150, note, ibid.

Cuff, his double constructed microscope described, 89--apparatus to ditto, 90--how to use, 91

Culex, its proboscis to dissect, 144

---- pipiens, its proboscis described, 187

---- its unpleasant effects, note, ibid.--farther described, 623

Culpeper’s microscope, 104

---- ---- apparatus to, 105

---- ---- to use, ibid.

Curculio imperialis, 204

Custance, list of his vegetable cuttings, 709

Cynips or gall-fly, its transformation, 260

D.

Death-head moth, the harbinger of mortality!, note 669

---- watch of Linnæus--Geoffroy--Shaw--Fabricius--Gmelin, note 688--the terror it occasions, note 689--quotations from Brown--Swift--Gay and Shakspeare, ibid.

Debraw, his account of bees, 281

De Geer, on the generation of a moth, 291

De la Hire first notices the stemmata of insects, 199

Dellebarre’s compound microscope, 16

Dermestes tesselatus, note 688

De Saussure, a writer on the interior structure of vegetables, 575

Diptera order of insects, 219

---- ---- ---- to collect, 687

Dissecting table, Lyonet’s, to use, 123

---- ---- Musschenbroeck’s, 137

---- Swammerdam’s method of, 138

---- Lyonet’s ditto, 141

---- Hooke’s observations on, 142

Divinis compound microscope, 15

Dragon-fly, eyes of, to dissect, 145

Drebell introduces the microscope into England, 2

Drone-fly, eyes of, 196

Drury, his magnificent cabinet of insects, 695

---- illustrations of natural history, 696

Du Hamel writes on the interior structure of vegetables, 575

Dutch claim the invention of the microscope, 1

E.

Earwig, its wings, 143, 205

Eels, scales of, to examine, 147

---- circulation of blood in, 148

---- paste, to procure, 152--to preserve, ibid.--described, 462

---- vinegar, 461--fresh water, 468--salt water, 469--in blighted wheat, ibid.

Ellis’s aquatic microscope, 6, 119

---- refutes Buffon, &c., 423

Eggs of insects, 286--tenthredo--hemerobius, ibid.--phalæna neustria, 287--oestrus tarandi, 288--ephemera--phryganea--libellula, ibid.--moths, 289--bees--wasps--spiders--ants, ibid.

Elytra of insects, 204

Ephemera, eyes of, 197

Exuvia of insects, to prepare, 145

Eye, nature of vision in, 28

Eyes of insects, 193--drone, 196--silkworm, ibid.--libellula, ibid.--lobster, 197--ephemera, ibid.

F.

Fat of insects, to prepare, 146

Fibres, muscular, to prepare, ibid.

Fishes, their scales to examine, 147

Flea described, 616--remarks on, note 617

Flies, to dissect eyes of, 145

Fly, Spanish, its utility, note 175

---- or perfect state of insects, 236

---- spider, see hippobosca equina

Focus, what it is, 31

Fontana, an early maker of microscopes, 3

Food of polypes, 155

---- insects, 291--gryllus migratorius, 293--oestrus bovis, 294--equi--hæmorrhoidalis--veterinus--ovis, note 294--ichneumon fly, 295, note 297

Forceps for catching insects, figure of, 675

Forficula auricularia, its wings, 143--farther described, 205

Frog, circulation of blood in, 150

G.

Gay, quotation from, note 690

Generation of aphides, 273--Bonnet’s experiments on ditto, 274--Richardson’s ditto, 275

---- bees, 279--Schirach’s account of, 280--Debraw’s, 281

Gerard, author of the Herbal, his credulity, note 347

Globules, glass, applied to the microscope, 8--manner of making them, ibid., 11--by Butterfield, 9--Di Torre, 10--Gray, 12

---- lenses described, 34

---- micrometer, Coventry’s, 60

Gnat, its proboscis to dissect, 144--described, 187--a formidable weapon, note ibid.--Barbut’s remedy for its sting, 188--preventives recommended, ibid.--mischiefs occasioned by them at Oxford, 623--formidable in the West Indies, note 189--Hooke an advocate for them--remarks on ditto, ibid.

---- farther described, 623

Gray, his water microscope, 13

Greeks not unacquainted with the single microscope, 3--spectacles known to them, ibid.

Grew, on the interior structure of vegetables, 575

Gryllus migratorius, 293--mischiefs occasioned by, note 684--many seen in England, ibid.

H.

Habitation of insects, 299

Haddock, scale of, 356

Halteres of insects, 204

Hartsoeker applies glass globules to the microscope, 8

Heads of insects, 179

Hemerobius perla, its wings described, 206

Hemiptera order of insects, 219--to collect, 683

Hewson, his method of viewing particles of blood, 149

Hieronymus, curious passage quoted from, note 178

Hill (Dr.) writes on the interior parts of vegetables, 575--on the rind, 576--vessels between rind and bark, 580--bark, 582--cellular tissue, 585--vasa propria interiora, 586--blea, ibid.--wood, 587--corona, 590--pith, 592--sap vessels, 594--vasa propria intima, 595

---- (Mr. John) his improvement on the lucernal microscope, 84

Hippobosca equina survives the loss of its head, note 151--its transformations, 261

Hogarth, his five stages of cruelty, note 152

Home, account of the particles of the blood, note 626

Hooke applied glass globules to the microscope, 8--his compound microscope, 15--observations on dissecting insects, 142--pleads in justification of gnats, note 189--computation on the eyes of silkworm, 196--on the motion of butterflies wings, 209

Hooper, quotation from, 710

Hornet, to dissect sting of, 144

Humanity towards insects recommended, note 152

Hunter’s remarks on Schirach and Debraw’s experiments, note 285

Hydræ or fresh water polypes, history of the discovery of, 357--improperly called insects, note 363--viridis--fusca--grisea, 365--their food, 373--generation, 379--re-production, 382--hydra pallens, 389--hydatula, 390--stentorea, 392--socialis, 395

Hymenoptera order of insects, 219

---- ---- ---- to collect, 686

I.

Jansens and son among the first introducers of the microscope, 2

Jerboa, its agility, note 212--kanguroo, ibid.

Jerom, curious passage from, note 178

Imperfections of microscopic glasses, 46

Improvements on lucernal microscope, 80

---- compound microscope, 92, 99

Infusions, animalcula in, to procure, 151

---- of pepper, &c., 153

Insects, Lyonet’s table to dissect, 123

---- Musschenbroeck’s ditto, 137

---- wings to dissect, 143--proboscis, 144--eyes, 145--exuvia, to prepare, 145--muscular fibres, 146--fat, ibid.--brains, ibid.--muscles, ibid.

---- their wonderful mechanism, 172

---- preferred by Swammerdam to other parts of the creation, ibid.

---- not included in divine omniscience, note 178

---- general description of, 178--definition of, 179--divisions, ibid.--head, ibid.--mouth, 180--jaws, 181--tongue and proboscis, ibid.--proboscis of a bee, 182--butterfly, 186--gnat, 187--tabanus, 188--antennæ, 190--conjectures on their use, note 191, 192--their characteristics, 193--palpi--eyes, ibid.--reticulated eyes, 195--drone--silk-worm--libellula--ephemera--experiments on the eyes, 197--monoculus polyphemus, 198--spider, 199--stemmata, ibid.

---- trunk of--thorax--scutellum--sternum, 200

---- abdomen--spiracula, 201

---- limbs--wings, 201--halterers, 204--elytra and wings under ditto, 204--wings of forficula auricularia, 205--hemerobius perla, 206--legs, 210--tail and sting, 213

---- distinguishing criteria of, 215--conjectures on their sense of hearing and the sounds proceeding from them, note 217--Barbut’s opinion, ibid.--remarks on ditto, ibid.

---- classes or orders into which they are divided, 219

---- transformation of, 220--egg to larva, 222--change to pupa, 229--preparation for change to perfect state, 234--change to ditto, 236--metamorphosis of silk-worm, 240--beetle, 242--rhinoceros beetle, 245--musca chamæleon, 248--libellula, 257--cynips, 260--aphides, ibid.--hippobosca equina, 261--Bonnet’s theory of, ibid.

---- respiration of, 265--experiments on by Lyonet, 267--Musschenbroeck, 268

---- ---- in musca pendula, 269

---- generation of--aphides, 272--Bonnet’s experiments on, 274--Richardson’s, 275--Bees, 279--Schirach’s account of, 280--Debraw’s ditto, 281--eggs of insects, 286--tenthredo, ibid.--hemerobius--phalæna neustria--oestrus tarandi--ephemera--phryganea--libellula--moths--bees--wasps--spiders --ants, ibid.

---- fecundity of, 290--Reaumur’s calculation of that of the queen bee, ibid.--Lyonet’s on the generation of a moth, 291--De Geer’s, ibid.

---- food of, 291--gryllus migratorius, 293--oestrus bovis, 294--equi--hæmorrhoidalis--veterinus--ovis, note 294--ichneumon fly, note 295, 297

---- habitations of, 299--spiders--aquatic bugs--gyrinus--podura-- libellula--ephemera--phryganea--culices--tipulæ--notonecta--nepa, 300--julus--scolopendra--oniscus, 301--formica-leo, note, 301--solitary bees, 303--ichneumon wasp, 306--termites, 308--caterpillars, 325

---- internal parts of, 334--Lyonet’s account of the caterpillar of the cossus, ibid.--muscles--spinal marrow, 339--tracheal arteries, 340--corpus crassum--oesophagus--ventricle, 342--intestines, 343

---- to collect and preserve, 665--the pursuit recommended, 666--method of procuring lepidoptera, 668--in their caterpillar state, 670--manner of breeding them, 671--figure of breeding box, ibid.--to collect them in their chrysalis state, 673--in their fly state, 674--figure of the net, ibid.--figure of forceps, 675--to manage them in their fly state, with a figure, 677--coleoptera, to collect, 680--hemiptera, 683--neuroptera, 685--hymenoptera, 686--diptera, 687--aptera, ibid.--proper time for collecting, 696--instructions to form a cabinet, 693--Drury’s collection described, 695--remarks on collecting Asiatic insects, 696

Instrument for cutting sections of wood, by Adams, 19--Cumming, ibid.--Custance, ibid.--described, 127--appendage to ditto, 128

Jones, improved lucernal microscope, 80--lanthorn microscope, 88--improved compound microscope, 92--most improved, 99--apparatus to ditto, 101--additional, 102

Italians claim the invention of the microscope, 1

Ivory micrometer by Coventry, 60

K.

Kanguroo, its agility, note 212

L.

Lamp, Argand’s, described, 69

---- ---- applied to lucernal microscope, 76

Lanthorn microscope, 88

Larva state of insects, 223

Leaves of trees and plants to examine, 147

Leeuwenhoek’s single microscope, 7

---- description of blood vessels in eels, 149

Legs of insects, 210

Lenses, different kinds of, 34--their properties, ibid.

Lepas anatifera, beard of, to prepare, 145--described, 344

Lepidoptera order of insects, 219

---- ---- to procure and preserve, 668

Leucopsis dorsigera, 347

Libellula, eyes of, to dissect, 145

---- described, 195

Lice, polypes infested with them, 156

---- plant, see aphides

Lieberkühn, single microscope used by him, 6

---- improves ditto, 20

Light, to manage for microscope, 134

Limbs of insects, 201

Linnæus, his system commended, 168

---- classification of insects, 219

Lists of microscopic objects, 608, 698

Lizard, its skin to examine, 147

Lobster, eyes of, to dissect, 145

---- insect, 348--first noticed in this country by Mr. J. Adams, 348--described by Martin--two in Mr. Marsham’s possession, ibid.--known to Aristotle--to Wolphius--Scaliger--De Geer--Fabricius--four in the editor’s possession--a living one presented to him--two found alive in Percy street--Rösel’s account of it--Seba probably mistaken, note 350

Locusts, 293--dreadful scourge, note 684

---- many seen in England in 1748, ibid.

Louse, common, described, 619

Lump-sucker described, 352

Lyonet, single microscope used by him, 6

---- anatomical microscope, 122--method of dissecting, 141--experiments on the respiration of insects, 267--generation of a moth, 290--description of the caterpillar of the cossus, 334

M.

Magnifiers, botanical, 125

Malpighi writes on the structure of vegetables, 575

Marsham on the ichneumon fly, note 297

Martin improves solar microscope, 20

---- list of his tracts on the microscope, note 21

---- applies slips of glass, &c. to microscopes, 60

---- improved opake and transparent solar microscope, 106--objects, 110

Medicines, their operations attributed to animalcula!, note 433

Medium, rare, 32--dense, ibid.

Meloe monoceros described, 354

Metamorphoses of insects, 220

Micrometer needle described, 54--how used, 55

---- glass, pearl, &c. by Coventry, 60--how used, 61

---- ---- ---- a set accompanies Jones’s best microscope, 63

Microscope, date of its invention, 1--name of inventor not known, ibid.--its excellence, 2, 23--early introduced by Jansens, 2--one brought to England by Drebell, ibid.--made by Fontana in 1616, 3--to prepare vegetable substances for, 158

---- single, probably known to the Greeks and Romans, 3--account of, 5--rationale of, 40--used by Leeuwenhoek, &c., 6--described, 7--glass globules applied to, 8--how made by Butterfield, 9--Di Torre, 10--to make glass globules, 11

---- water by Gray, 13--extempore, ibid.

---- Swammerdam’s described, 138

---- single, Wilson’s, or screw barrel, 115--with a scroll and mirror, 117--small, for opake objects, 118--Ellis’s aquatic, 119--Lyonet’s anatomical, 122--Withering’s botanical, 123--pocket botanical and universal, 124

---- compound, by Hooke, Divinis, and Bonnani, 15--Delebarre, 16--Barker, 17--Smith, ibid.

---- ---- its principles, 42--magnifying powers, 49--experiments on ditto, 51--how ascertained, 53--of more general use than any other, note 89--Cuff’s described, ibid.--apparatus to ditto, 90--to use, 91--chest, note 90--Jones’s improved, 92--apparatus to ditto, 96--how to use, 98--Jones’s most improved, 99--apparatus, 101--additional apparatus, 102--how to use, 103--Culpeper’s or three pillared, 104--apparatus, 105--to use, ibid.

---- lanthorn, 88

---- solar, by Lieberkühn, 17--improved by him, 20--by Ziehr, ibid.--Martin, ibid.--its principles, 45--as improved by Martin described, 106--apparatus to, 109--to use, 110

---- lucernal, Adams’s, 21--described, 64--to examine opake objects with, 71--ansparent ditto, 74--apparatus to, 77--improvements on, by Jones, Prince and Hill, 80

---- portable, and telescope, 125

---- to prepare for observation, 130--to prepare objects for, 137

---- concise list of objects for, 608--opake, 609--transparent, 614--copious list of ditto, 698

Millepedes food for polypes, 155

Minerals, to examine, 148

Minute animals, their strength, activity, and vivacity, note 427

---- shells, arrangement and description of, 629

Monoculus Polyphemus, its eyes described, 198

Montaigne’s remarks on kindness to animals, note 151

Moths, wings of, 144, 207

Motion of butterflies wings, experiments on, by Hooke, 209--remarks on, 212--dittoby Reaumur, 213

Mouth of insects, 179

Müller on animalcula infusoria, 428

Münchhausen’s hypothesis, 421

---- ---- refuted by Ellis, 423

Musca chamæleon, its transformation, 248--pendula ditto, 256--its respiration, 269

Muscles and fibres of insects, to prepare, 146

Musschenbroeck’s table for dissecting insects, 137

---- experiments on their respiration, 268

Musquetos, their sting formidable, note 189

N.

Natural history, importance of, 167

Needham, his hypothesis of animalcula in infusions, 421--refuted, 423

Needle micrometer, 54

Net, figure of butterfly, 674

Neuroptera order of insects, 219--to collect, 685

Notonecta, its wings, 143

O.

Objects to prepare for the microscope, 137

---- ---- Swammerdam’s method, ibid.

---- ---- Lyonet’s ditto, 141

---- for the microscope, concise list of, 608--copious list of, 698

Observation, to prepare microscope for, 130

Observations, Hooke’s on dissecting, 142

---- on Hooke’s apology for gnats, note 189

Omniscience of God denied with respect to insects, &c., note 177

Opake objects, to examine with the lucernal microscope, 71--list of, 608

Opake and transparent solar microscope, by Martin, 106

---- small, microscope, 118

Optical glasses, their several kinds, 34--different effects, ibid.--their imperfections, 47

Orders into which insects are divided, 219

Ores and minerals to examine, 148

Ox-fly, its proboscis described, 188

Oxford, swarms of gnats which appeared at note, 188--the mischiefs they occasioned, ibid.

P.

Palpi of insects described, 193

Parrot-fish, scale of, 355

Particles of blood to examine, 149

---- ---- their true form ascertained, ibid. and note 626

Paste eel described, 462

Pearch, sea, scale of, 356

Pearl micrometer, Coventry’s, 60

Pediculus humanus described, 619

Plancus on minute shells, 629

Plant lice, see aphides

Plants, their leaves to examine, 147

Pocket botanical and universal microscope, 124

Polypes to procure and feed, 153--infested with lice, 156--to preserve in health, ibid.--to observe with accuracy, 157--to preserve in sliders, ibid.--their food, 291

Pores of skin to examine, 147

Portable microscope and telescope, 125

Proboscis of insects, to dissect, 144--culex--tabanus--bee, ibid.--described, 181--bee, ibid.--butterfly, 186--gnat, 187--tabanus, 188

Prince, (Rev. Dr.) his improvement on lucernal microscope, 84

Ptinus fatidicus, note 688

---- pulsator, ibid.

Puceron, see aphides

Pulex aquaticus food for polypes, 155

---- irritans described, 616

Pupa, change of insects to, 229

R.

Ray, incident, 32--refracted, ibid.

Reaumur on the motion of insects, 212

---- ---- fecundity of queen bee, 290

Redi, his observations on the production of flies, 174

Reflections on cruelty to animals, 150, note ibid.

Refraction, its principles, 32--ascertained by experiments, 33

Remarks on the substance of butterflies wings, note 207

---- on Barbut’s opinion on the sense of hearing in insects, note 217

---- on collecting Asiatic insects, 696

Respiration of insects, 265--experiments on, by Lyonet, 267--Musschenbroeck, 268

---- musca pendula, 269

Richardson’s experiments on the generation of aphides, 275

Rind of vegetables to prepare, 160

Romans probably acquainted with the single microscope, 3

---- spectacles known to them, ibid.

S.

Salts and saline substances, to prepare, 163

---- their crystallization, 600--what understood by it, 601--phænomena of ditto, 602--their various figures, 603--Bergman’s account of their forms, 605

---- list of, for microscopic observation, 710

Sap vessels of plants, to fill, 162

Scales of fish to examine, 147--eel, to prepare, ibid.

---- parrot fish, 355--sea pearch, haddock--West-India pearch--sole fish, 356

Scutellum of insects, 200

Sections of wood, instrument for cutting, 127--appendage to ditto, 128

Seeds, vegetable, a descriptive list of a variety of, 645--lithospermum, ibid.--cyminum, 646--papaver, 647--cardirus, ibid.--plantago, 648--staphis agria, 649--anisum, ibid.--fœniculum, 651--grana Paradisi, 652--petroselinum, 653--petroselinum Macedonicum, 654--coriandrum, 655--seseli, ibid.--hyoscyamus, 657--cicer, 658--laurus, 659--ficoides afra, 660--palma aricefera, 661--juniperus, ibid.--santonicum, 662--scabiosa, 663

Sentiments of learned men in earlier times on minute parts of creation, note 177

Shakspeare, quotation from, on the feeling of insects, note 150--parody on a passage in, note 690

Shells, to view, 148--minute, arrangement and description of, 629--manner of procuring them, 632--observations on, ibid.--serpula, 633--dentale, 635--patella, ibid.--helix, ibid.--turbo, 636--trochus, 638--buccinum, 639--voluta, ibid.--bulla, 640--nautilus, ibid.--Mytilus, 642--anomia, 643--arca, ibid.--cardium, 644--lepas, ibid.--echinus, ibid.--asterias, 645

Shoots, vegetable, to obtain, 159

Silk-worm, its eyes, 196--metamorphosis, 240

Skin, pores of, to examine, 147

---- of sole-fish, 356--lizards, 147

Smith, his compound microscope, 17

Sole-fish, scale of, 356--skin of, ibid.

Spanish-fly, its utility in medicine and commerce, note 175

Spider, eyes of, 199--described, 621

Spiracula of insects, 201

Stemmata of ditto, 199

Sternum of ditto, 200

Stillingfleet, his remarks on the importance of natural history, 331

Sting of bee to dissect, 144--described, 214

Stings of insects, 213

Strength of minute animals, note 427

Swammerdam uses the single microscope, 6--his method of preparing objects, 137--his microscope described, 138--manner of dissecting, ibid.

Swift, quotation from, on the death-watch, note 689

System, Linnean, commended, 168

T.

Tabanus, its proboscis described, 188

Tail of insects, 213

Telescope, portable microscope and, 125

Termes pulsatorium, note 688

Termites or white ants, history of, 308

Thorax of insects, 201

Thrips physapus described, 350

Timber, organization of, 574

Tincture of cochineal, to prepare, 161

Tongue of insects, 181

Transformation of insects, 220--rhinoceros beetle, 245--musca chamæleon, 248--pendula, 256--libellula, 257--cynips, 260--aphides, ibid.--hippobosca equina, 261--theory of, by Bonnet, ibid.

Transparent objects to examine with the lucernal microscope, 74--to transmit on a screen, 75

---- ---- list of, 614

Trees, leaves of, to examine, 147

Trunk of insects, 201

Tubularia campanulata, 411

V.

Vegetable substances, to prepare for the microscope, 159--young shoots, ibid.--rind, 160--blea, 162--sap vessels, to fill, 162

---- seeds, descriptive list of, 645

Vegetables, their beauty and perfection, 574

Vinegar eel described, 461

Vision, its principles shewn by experiments, 27

Vivacity of minute animals note, 427

Vorticellæ described, 396--anastatica, 397--pyraria, 400--cratægaria, ibid.--opercularia, 401--umbellaria, 402--berberina, 406--digitalis, ibid.--convallaria, 407--urceolaris, 408--tubularia campanulata, 411

W.

Walker on minute shells, 630--commended by Sir Jos. Banks, ibid.--extracts from, 633

Wasp, its sting to dissect, 145

Water, eel in fresh, 468--in salt ditto, 469

Wheat, eel in blighted, 467

Wheel animal, 549

Willughby detects a pretended discoverer of animalcula, note 432

Wilson, his screw-barrel microscope, 115--ditto with scroll, 117

Wings of insects to dissect, 143

---- forficula auricularia, ibid.--notonecta, ibid.--butterflies and moths, 144, 207--described, 201--hemerobius perla, 206

Wisdom, divine, displayed in the creation, 267, 174--providence, 174--benevolence, 175

Withering, his botanical microscope, 115

Wood, instrument for cutting sections of, 127,--appendage to, 128

Worm, silk, its eyes described, 196

Worms, red, food for polypes, 155

Z.

Ziehr improves solar microscope, 20

A CATALOGUE OF Optical, Mathematical, and Philosophical Instruments, MADE AND SOLD BY W. AND S. JONES, [No. 135,] NEXT FURNIVAL’S-INN, HOLBORN, LONDON.

OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS.

£. s. d.

Best double-jointed standard gold spectacles, with pebbles, and fish-skin gold-mounted case 16 16 0

Ditto single-jointed, with ditto case 10 10 0

Best double-jointed silver ditto, with pebbles 1 16 0

Ditto, ditto, with glasses 1 1 0

Best single-jointed, with pebbles 1 8 0

Ditto, with glasses 0 13 0

Best double-jointed steel ditto, with glasses 0 9 0

An improved sort of ditto for ladies 0 10 6

Second best double-jointed steel spectacles, with spring case 0 7 6

Common ditto 0 4 6

Best single-jointed steel spectacles 0 4 6

Second best ditto 0 2 6

Common ditto 0 1 6

Tortoishell spectacles, silver-jointed, with pointed, and other shaped sides, peculiar for their lightness and uninterruption of dressed hair, in morocco leather cases 0 10 6

Ditto, double-jointed frames 0 15 0

Spectacles for eyes that have been couched 0 7 6

Ditto with green glasses for very weak and inflamed eyes, according to the frames, from 6s. to 1 1 0

Ditto for the same purpose, with new contrived portable shades to screen the eyes from candle, or other light 0 15 0

Nose spectacles in silver 0 7 6

Ditto in tortoishell and silver. 0 4 0

Ditto in horn and steel 0 1 6

Spectacle cases in very great variety, from 2d. each to 10 10 0

Concave glasses for short-sighted persons, in horn cases 0 1 6

Ditto in tortoishell, pearl, silver, &c. from 2s. 6d. to 2 2 0

Ditto in new-contrived frames for gentlemen when shooting 0 16 0

Reading and burning glasses, in various mountings, from 1s. to 1 16 0

Convex glasses for watch-makers, engravers, &c. from 1s. to 0 10 6

Gogglers, to guard the eyes from the dust or wind 0 3 0

New green-light shades for the eyes 0 6 6

Opera glasses, in great variety of mountings, from 4s. 6d. to 2 12 6

Ditto, on an improved construction of glasses, plain mounting 1 1 0

REFRACTING TELESCOPES of various lengths, from 6s. to 1 16 0

Ditto to use at sea by night, from 1l. 11s. 6d. to 2 12 6

Achromatic stick telescopes of various lengths from 18s. to 4 0 0

The new-improved ditto, with three sliding brass tubes, by which an instantaneous view of the object is obtained, and shuts up very short for the pocket, of one foot in length, in a case 1 11 6

Second best two-drawers, ditto 1 1 0

Twenty inch best three-drawers, ditto 2 12 6

Ditto second best two-drawers 1 10 0

Two feet best three-drawers, ditto 4 4 0

Ditto second best, ditto 3 3 0

Three feet, best four-drawer ditto 6 6 0

Second best ditto 4 4 0

The preceding telescopes, fitted up elegantly with silver or plated tubes, from 2l. 2s. to 21 0 0

Astronomical eye-pieces and portable brass stands for the above, from 10s. 6d. to 2 12 6

The new-improved 2¹⁄₂ feet achromatic refractor, on a brass stand, mahogany tube, with two sets of eye-glasses, one magnifying about forty times for terrestrial objects, and the other about seventy-five times for astronomical purposes, packed in a mahogany box 9 9 0

Ditto, ditto, the tube all brass, with three eye-pieces 11 1 6

The 3¹⁄₂ feet ditto, ditto, mahogany tube 17 6 6

Ditto, ditto, brass tube 19 8 6

Ditto all in brass, with rack-work motions, &c. 24 3 0

Achromatic perspective glasses for the pocket, in brass, &c. tubes, with a change of eye-glasses, from 12s. to 3 3 0

New-improved ditto, answering the purpose of an opera-glass, with a compass, and helioscope for viewing the sun, from 1l. 3s. to 2 2 0

New-improved achromatic pocket telescope, which, by a small apparatus within its tubes, is readily converted into a compound microscope 3 13 6

An improved portable seven-inch achromatic telescope in brass, with a stand that packs up into the tube of the telescope, adapted for astronomical uses 3 13 6

REFLECTING TELESCOPES, fitted up either upon the Gregorian, Newtonian, or Herschelian principles, with improved wood, or metal stands, and other apparatus for making celestial observations in the most commodious and accurate manner--The general prices are as follow:

-- Fifteen feet in length, the large metal fifteen inches in diameter, from 250l. to 500 0 0

-- Twelve feet in length, fourteen inch metal 200 0 0

-- Ten feet in length, twelve inch metal 150 0 0

-- Eight feet in length, eleven inch metal 140 0 0

-- Six feet in length, nine inch metal 100 0 0

-- Four feet long, in brass tubes, with portable brass or mahogany framed stands, from 40l. to 100 0 0

Those reflectors that are constructed upon the principles of Newton or Herschel are about twice the above lengths in the tubes. The reflectors upon the usual Gregorian construction are made with the vertical motion upon a new principle, so as to render them more firm and steady while in use, than any reflectors mounted in the old manner.

A four feet seven inch aperture Gregorian reflector, with the vertical motion upon a new invented principle, as well as apparatus to render the tube more steady in observation; according to the additional apparatus of small speculums, eye-pieces, micrometers, &c. from 70l. to 100 0 0

Three feet long, mounted on a brass stand, common mounting 23 2 0

Ditto with rack work motions, improved mounting, and metals 36 15 0

Two feet long, without rack-work, and with four magnifying powers, improved, 13l. 13s. to 14 14 0

Ditto improved, with rack-work motions 22 1 0

Eighteen inch on a plain stand 8 8 0

Twelve inch ditto 5 5 0

Telescopes of both the above kinds fitted up. with equatorial, &c. motions, micrometers, adjusting, compensating, &c. apparatus, for the most accurate astronomical purposes.

Common MICROSCOPES, from 2s. 6d. to 1 1 0

Wilson’s single pocket microscopes, from 18s. to 2 12 6

Compound microscopes improved, from 2l. 12s. 6d. to 5 5 0

New improved universal ditto 6 6 0

Ditto with the most complete apparatus 10 10 0

Solar microscopes in brass, improved, from 4l. 14s. 6d. to 6 6 0

The new opake and transparent solar microscopes, with improved apparatus, from 10l. 10s. to 16 16 0

Ditto of a larger size, with additional megalascopic apparatus, from 14l. 14s. to 19 19 0

Ditto, and best compound ditto, packed together in one mahogany box 21 0 0

The LUCERNAL MICROSCOPE, as improved by W. JONES, exhibiting images of opake and transparent objects by night or day, in a manner singularly pleasing, brilliant and distinct, with upwards of 100 objects, proper apparatus, patent lamp, &c. 16 16 0

Ditto combined with a solar, compound, &c. apparatus, forming the most perfect collection of microscopical apparatus 35 14 0

A portable optical apparatus, consisting of a scioptic ball and socket, a solar microscope, Wilson’s microscope, a pocket compound microscope, a pocket telescope, and solar telescope, in mahogany and brass 3 13 6

Pocket microscopes for opake objects, from 16s. to 2 12 6

Botannic microscopes for flowers, &c. from 5s. to 1 11 6

A new universal pocket ditto, adapted to all sorts of objects 1 6 0

Cloth microscopes, from 2s. 6d. to 0 10 6

Magic lanthorns, from 1l. 4s. to 1 8 0

Sliders for ditto in great variety of subjects, each 0 3 6

A new set of moveable painted sliders, shewing the fundamental principles of astronomy, with the real and apparent motions and positions of the planets, stars, &c. &c. accompanied by a proper improved lanthorn, complete 13 13 0

Small magic lanthorns, with twelve sliders complete, at 7s. 6d. 10s. 6d. 12s. and 1 0 0

Ditto with twelve sliders of best English paintings 2 2 0

Optical diagonal machines for viewing prints, from 1l. to 1 11 6

Perspective views in great variety for ditto, each 0 1 6

Scioptic balls and sockets from 10s. 6d. to 1 11 6

An artificial eye in brass, to exemplify the nature of vision 1 11 6

For a description of this instrument, as well as of spectacles, reading-glasses, &c. see the late Mr. G. ADAMS’S Essay on Vision, 8vo. price 3s. now sold by W. and S. JONES.

Camera obscuras for the pocket, from 9s. to 1 16 0

A new invented folding ditto, very portable 2 2 0

Large ditto, shutting up like a book, or neat portable chest, the objects represented on paper, from 4l. 14s. 6d. to 8 18 6

Concave and convex glass mirrors, in plain black frames, four, five, six, and seven inches diameter, each 9s. 12s. 14s. and 0 18 0

Eight inches diameter ditto 1 1 0

Nine inches ditto 1 7 0

Ten inches ditto 1 12 0

Twelve inches ditto 2 5 0

Fifteen inches ditto 3 13 6

Eighteen inches ditto 6 6 0

Twenty-one inches ditto 11 11 0

Twenty-four inches ditto 16 16 0

Concave mirrors, ground cylindrically, possessing several curious properties in the deformation of objects, according to the size, from 1l. 1s. to 5 5 0

Concave metal burning mirrors, superior to the glass ones, from 3l. 13s. 6d. to 21 0 0

Glass prisms, plain, or mounted on stands, from 7s. 6d. to 1 11 6

A curious set of optical models, where the rays of light are represented by silken strings, and illustrating the principles of vision, telescopes, prisms, &c. packed in five cases 6 16 6

MATHEMATICAL INSTRUMENTS.

THEODOLITES of the common construction, and of the best workmanship, from 4l. 4s. to 31 10 0

A portable theodolite, with a telescope, level, and vertical arch 7 7 0

Ditto larger, with parallel plates, &c. divided to two minutes 12 12 0

Ditto with rack-work motions, divisions to a minute 22 1 0

A new-improved theodolite, with two telescopes, and contrivances for every accurate adjustment 36 15 0

A new very portable theodolite, by rack-work, measuring angles with equal accuracy as those of the common large sort, is at the same time applicable for taking altitudes, and is truly adapted for the purpose of levelling 8 8 0

A 4-inch further improved ditto, by which the vertical and horizontal angles are shewn at the same time, with portable staves, &c. 10 10 0

Circumferentors, much used in wood lands, from 2l. 2s. to 4 4 0

An improved ditto, contrived to answer the purposes of a common theodolite, level, altitude instrument, &c. 4 14 6

Surveying crosses or squares, on a staff, from 12s. to 1 11 6

A brass cylindrical ditto, with a staff 0 18 0

Ditto with compass, agate capped needle, &c. 1 11 6

Improved ditto, with rack-work and pinion, and moveable divided limb, making a very portable cross-staff, compass and theodolite in one instrument 2 18 0

Levels of the latest improvements, from 2l. 2s. to 12 12 0

Station staves, with sliding vanes, for levelling 2 12 6

Plane tables, with index, sights, &c. complete, from 3l. 13s. 6d. to 5 5 0

Pentagraphs, by which any person unskilled in drawing may copy plans, surveys, profiles, drawings, &c. in any proportion to the original, from 1l. 16s. to 6 16 6

Perambulators or measuring wheels, from 61. 6s. to 10 10 0

Gunter’s measuring chain, according to strength, from 5s. to 0 11 0

---- navigation scale, from 2s. to 0 4 0

---- ditto improved by Donn, with book of directions 0 5 0

---- ditto improved by Robertson, with brass adjusting screws, &c. being the completest scale of the kind 1 10 0

---- sectors of various lengths, from 2s. to 1 11 6

A new pocket ten inch box sliding rule for solving all sorts of problems in trigonometry, &c. from 2s. 6d. to 0 4 0

Measuring tapes, one, two, three, and four poles, 5s. 7s. 6d. 9s. 0 10 6

Pedeometers for ascertaining distances in walking or riding, of a watch size for the pocket, and also to apply to carriages, from 31. 3s. to 12 12 0

Miner’s compasses, for working in subterraneous grounds, from 10s. 6d. to 1 11 6

Cases of drawing instruments, from 4s. 6d. to 5 5 0

Magazine, or complete collection of every kind of useful drawing instruments, from 5l. 5s. to 35 0 0

A new portable drawing board and seat, the board folds up for the pocket, and the legs of the seat form a walking stick 0 18 0

Proportional compasses, from 1l. 10s. to 3 3 0

Elliptical compasses of various degrees of perfection and utility, from 16s. to 4 14 6

Spiral and elliptical compasses, from 6s. 6d. to 10 10 0

Triangular compasses, by which three points at once may be transferred, from 13s. to 1 5 0

Hair compasses that take extents to a great accuracy 0 7 6

Beam compasses for dividing large circles, projections, &c. from 1l. 1s. to 10 0 0

Bow compasses for describing very small circles, from 2s. 6d. to 0 12 0

Perspective compasses to take angles, &c. from 1l. 5s. to 2 12 6

Parallel rulers of different constructions, from 2s. to 2 12 6

Protractors for laying down angles, from 2s. to 1 1 0

Ditto, with a nonius and moveable limb 2 2 0

Ditto, ditto, with teeth and pinion 4 10 0

Sets of protracting and plotting scales; instruments for dividing lines or transferring divisions on paper. An instrument for describing circles from four to six inches radius, or to the utmost conceivable distance--Gunners callipers--Gunners levels or perpendiculars--Shot gauges--Shell ditto--Gunners quadrants, with a plummet or level, or adjusting screw, &c. and all other instruments for military purposes.

HADLEY’S QUADRANTS, mahogany, the divisions on wood 1 11 6

Ditto mahogany with ivory arch and nonius, double observation 2 2 0

Ditto, ditto, a brass index, double observation 2 12 6

Ditto, ebony and brass, best glasses, engine divided, &c. 3 0 0

Ebony and brass mounted best sextants, from 4l. 4s. to 8 18 6

Metal ditto, all brass, framed on a principle the least liable to be warped or strained, with adjusting screws, telescopes, and other auxiliary apparatus, the most proper for taking distances accurately, to determine the longitude at sea, &c. 12 12 0

Ditto, second best 8 8 0

A new small 3-inch pocket box sextant to take angles to a minute, from 2l. 2s. to 3 3 0

Artificial horizons, by parallel glasses and quicksilver, to take double altitudes by 1 16 0

Gunter’s quadrant, from 4s. to 1 1 0

Azimuth compasses of different constructions, from 5l. 5s. to 12 12 0

Pocket compasses from 2s. 6d. to 5 5 0

Horizontal sun-dials, in brass, made for any latitude, of four, five, or six inches diameter, divided into five minutes of time, each at 6s. 9s. and 0 12 0

Ditto seven inches 0 16 0

Ditto eight inches, into two minutes 1 4 0

Ditto ten inches, ditto 1 16 0

Ditto twelve inches, ditto 2 10 0

Ditto, fifteen inches, into every minute, thirty-two points of the compass, &c. 4 14 6

Ditto eighteen inches, ditto, ditto, with equation table, &c. 8 8 0

Ditto 2 feet diameter, ditto, ditto 15 15 0

A new universal ditto and equatorial, making a very portable angular instrument, from 8l. 8s. to 31 10 0

Universal ring dials, from 7s. 6d. to 10 10 0

For a general description and representation of the instruments used in surveying, levelling, and other branches of practical geometry, see the late Mr. G. ADAMS’S Geometrical and Graphical Essays, an improved edition by W. JONES, in two vols, 8vo. 1797, with thirty-five folio copper-plates. Price 14s.

ASTRONOMICAL, &c. INSTRUMENTS.

A portable TRANSIT INSTRUMENT, with a cast iron stand, to ascertain the rate of chronometers, the longitude, &c. the axis is twelve inches in length, and the telescope about twenty inches, packed in a case 12 12 0

Ditto, with a brass framed stand, and other additions 20 0 0

Transit instruments of larger dimensions made to order.

The new CIRCULAR INSTRUMENTS and EQUATORIALS, from 63l. to 180 0 0

Planetariums, shewing the phænomena of the Ptolemaic and Copernican systems, from 7l. 7s. to 50 0 0

Manual orreries of the common construction from 2l. 12s. 6d. to 6 6 0

Jones’s (Wm.) new portable orrery, the tellurian part 1 1 0

Ditto, the planetarium part 1 1 0

Tellurian and planetarium together, making the New Portable Orrery, packed in a neat mahogany box, according to the sizes, from 2l. 12s. 6d. to 5 5 0

An orrery shewing the motions of Mercury, Venus, the Earth and Moon, by wheel-work, the Earth is a 1¹⁄₂ inch globe, packed in a box 4 4 0

Other planetariums and orreries in great variety, the motions by wheel-work, exemplifying all the motions and phænomena of all the planets, the Georgium Sidus included, from 40l. to 1000 0 0

Cometariums, for exemplifying the motion of comets, from 1l. 11s. 6d. to 5 5 0

Senex’s globes improved, twenty-eight inches diameter, mahogany frames, from 25l. to 50 0 0

Twelve inch ditto, improved by Ferguson, with all the new discoveries of Capt. Cooke, &c. with the new hour circles, which supersede all the intended advantages of cumbersome wires, and other appendages, in other globes, mounted in neat mahogany claw-feet frames 5 5 0

Ditto, in common coloured wood frames 3 3 0

Additional price of a compass, and fitting to both globes 0 5 0

A pair of red leather covers for the globes 0 9 6

Globes, nine inches diameter, with the new discoveries 2 2 0

Ditto, three inches ditto, in claw-feet, mahogany frames 1 10 0

Ditto, three inches single, one in a case for the pocket 0 9 0

Geographical planispheres, to solve problems, mounted as a hand fire-screen 0 7 6

A brass armillary sphere, three inches diameter 3 3 0

A six inch ditto 6 6 0

A nine inch ditto 9 9 0

A twelve inch ditto 12 12 0

Larger ditto, with planetarium, from 21l. to 105 0 0

For a general description of orreries and other astronomical instruments, see the late Mr. G. ADAMS’S Astronomical Essays, 8vo. with sixteen plates; price 10s. 6d. now sold by W. and S. JONES.

PHILOSOPHICAL, &c. INSTRUMENTS.

A single-barrel AIR PUMP, with receiver 2 12 6

Improved ditto, exhausting more accurately 5 15 6

A small double-barrel air pump, with gage plate 5 5 0

A middle size ditto 6 16 6

A large size table ditto 10 10 0

Air pumps of the largest sort, exhausting more accurately, from the constructions of the different inventors.

Condensing engines, from 5l. 5s. to 21 0 0

Papin’s digester improved, on a stand 5 15 6

The principal Apparatus for the Air Pump as follow:

Guinea and feather apparatus, demonstrating the resistance of the air, with one, two, or three falls, from 18s. to 1 11 6

A set of wind-mills, for the same demonstration 1 11 6

The brass hemispheres, shewing the air’s external pressure, from 14s. to 1 10 0

A bell, proving that there is no sound without air 0 10 6

Improved constructions of this bell, from 1l. 1s. to 3 3 0

Lead weights, with bladder, &c. proving the air’s elasticity 0 17 0

The double transferrer, that transfers a vacuum from one receiver to another, by turning stop-cocks only 3 0 0

A model of a water-pump, exemplifying the nature of pumps, and proving the absurdity of what is called suction 1 4 0

A single transferrer, plate and pipe, for a fountain 0 18 0

A copper air-pipe for experiments on infected air 0 17 0

A flat plate, collar of leathers, with sliding wire, for placing on receivers 0 12 0

An apparatus for firing gun-powder in vacuo 0 18 0

A copper bottle, beam and stand, for accurately weighing of air 2 12 6

A glass vessel for making a fountain in vacuo 0 5 6

Ditto on a larger, and different construction 0 16 0

A glass with a bladder, shewing the action of the lungs 0 6 0

Ditto mounted with the figure of a Bacchus 1 10 0

A balance beam and stand 0 7 0

A filtering cup shewing the porosity of vegetables 0 5 0

A plate and piece of wood for the same purpose 0 4 6

An apparatus for striking flint and steel in vacuo 0 18 0

The Torricellian experiment 0 18 0

Fruit stand 0 3 6

Candlestick 0 3 6

Syringe with lead weight 0 10 6

Six breaking squares, cage and cap 0 7 6

Glass bubble and stand 0 3 0

Hand and bladder glasses 0 3 6

With a great variety of receivers, and other apparatus, described by various authors.

Exhausting and condensing syringes, from 10s. 6d. to 1 11 6

Exhausting syringes, with sets of cupping glasses, breast glasses, and scarificator, complete 4 14 6

Air fountains of copper, with various jets, from 3l. 13s. 6d. to 7 7 0

ELECTRICAL MACHINES, with conductors and jars, from 2l. 12s. 6d. to 10 10 0

New and much improved ditto, from 3l. 13s. 6d. to 42 0 0

Electrical machines and complete apparatus, for medical purposes, packed in boxes, the cylinder from seven to ten inches diameter, from 6l. 6s. to 12 12 0

An electrical machine, with apparatus for philosophical experiments and medical uses, packed in a box, the cylinder about eight inches diameter 8 18 6

Apparatus for Electrical Machines as follow:

Electrical batteries of combined jars, from 2l. 12s. 6d. to 10 10 0

An universal discharger, with a press 1 8 0

A quadrant electrometer, with divided arch 0 7 6

Jointed dischargers, with glass handles 0 10 6

Plain ditto, ditto 0 5 6

An useful and illustrative apparatus, compounded of the luminous conductor, exhausted flask, two jars, exhausted syringe, insulated stand, and wires with balls, &c. complete 3 0 0

Luminous conductors, from 12s. to 1 5 0

Exhausted flasks, called Aurora Borealis 0 6 6

A thunder house, demonstrating the use of conductors 0 6 0

A powder house, for the same purpose 0 16 0

An obelisk or pyramid for ditto 0 10 6

A set of plain bells, three to a set 0 7 6

A new set of musical ditto, containing the gamut 1 10 0

A magic picture for giving shocks 0 7 6

An electrical cannon, to be discharged by inflammable air 0 16 0

Brass pistols for ditto 0 7 6

Spiral tubes, to illuminate by the spark, from 4s. 6d. to 0 10 6

Luminous names, or words, from 10s. 6d. to 1 11 6

Spotted jars, from 6s. to 0 10 6

A double jar for explaining the Franklinian theory 0 15 0

Copper plates and stands for dancing images 0 9 0

An electrical tin fire house 0 10 6

An electrical shooter and mark 0 5 0

A mahogany stand for eggs 0 4 6

A small head with hair 0 7 6

An artificial spider 0 1 6

An electrical swan 0 2 0

An electrical star 0 1 6

Balls of wood, bone, &c. each from 6d. to 0 2 6

A curious collection of working models, to be set in motion by the electrical fluid, consisting of a corn mill and a three-barrelled water-pump, worked by one crank only: an orrery, shewing the diurnal motion of the earth, age and phases of the moon, &c. and astronomical clock, shewing the aspects of the sun and moon, age, phases, &c. all delicately made of card paper, cork, and wire only, packed in a deal case 2 12 6

Kinnersley’s electrical air thermometer 1 1 0

Cavallo’s atmospherical electrometer 0 12 0

Ditto, as improved by Saussure 1 1 0

Bennet’s gold leaf electrometer 0 18 0

Nicholson’s spinning doubler. 1 10 0

An electrophorus, from 10s. 6d. to 3 3 0

Conductors for the preservation of ships, houses, &c. from lightning, from 3l. 3s. to 5 5 0

The medical Apparatus consists of,

Jars with electrometers, from 12s. to 1 1 0

A new medical ditto, for communicating shocks in the most convenient and qualified manner 0 7 6

A pair of directors, glass handles, wood points, &c. 0 7 6

An electrometer to apply to the conductor 0 6 6

Electrical insulated stools and chairs, from 9s. to 5 5 0

A new perpetual inflammable air lamp, lighted by the electrophorus, a curious and useful apparatus 4 4 0

A variety of other apparatus, too numerous to be inserted here, which as well as the machines, are mounted from the most approved, eligible methods, so as to render them in action both powerful and permanent.

For a complete description of electrical apparatus, see the late Mr. G. ADAMS’S Essay on Electricity, 8vo. six plates; price 6s. now sold by W. and S. JONES.

Barometers plain mounted from 1l. 11s. 6d. to 2 12 6

Thermometers for all the various purposes, from 9s. to 3 3 0

Six’s new thermometers, for shewing the extremes of heat and cold, in the absence of the observer, from 1l. 11s. 6d. to 2 12 6

An hygrometer, shewing the moisture and dryness of the air 0 10 6

Barometers, thermometers, and hygrometers, all in one neat mahogany frame, from 4l. 4s. to 6 6 0

Barometers for measuring the heights of mountains from 7s. to 10 10 0

Marine barometers, diagonal, wheel, and statical ditto.

New hygrometers constructed by De Luc, &c. from 2l. 2s. to 3 3 0

A rain gauge, with float and tin vessel 0 18 0

Wind gages, of the constructions of Dr. Lind, &c. 0 16 0

Hydrometers for discovering the strength and proportion of compound in spirituous liquors, from 1l. 7s. to 3 3 0

Hydrostatic balances, from 1l. 1s. to 9 9 0

An apparatus for hydrostatical experiments, from 3l. 13s. 6d. to 21 0 0

Artificial magnets in bars, and sets of bars, from 2s. 6d. to 6 6 0

Ditto, in the shape of a horse-shoe, the strongest form, from 1s. 6d. to 1 1 0

Ditto, combined to any number, from 12s. to 21 0 0

A box of magnetical apparatus illustrating a variety of curious and entertaining properties in magnetism, from 5l. 5s. to 7 7 0

Dipping needles, variation, and other compasses, in great variety.

Pyrometers, shewing the expansion of metals, from 3l. 3s. to 10 10 0

The mechanical powers, for illustrating and demonstrating the laws of motion, gravity, &c. a set neatly made in brass, consisting of the balance, the pullies, the different kinds of levers, the inclined plane, the wheel and axle, the screw, a compound engine, a compound lever, a double cone to move up an inclined plane, friction wheels, weights, wedges, &c. complete 25 4 0

The same occasionally made on a more enlarged plan, for a large auditory.

Ditto, with many parts of the apparatus made of mahogany, and the whole set packed in a neat mahogany box 14 14 0

Separate sets of pullies, variously constructed and combined.

A small carriage with inclined plane, and wheels of different sizes, &c. experimentally proving the friction, resistance, &c. of all sorts of wheel carriages 7 7 0

Ferguson’s compound engine, in which all the simple mechanical powers work together 4 4 0

A whirling table, for explaining and demonstrating the laws of the planet’s motion, the demonstrations of the doctrine of the tides, and other properties of gravity and centrifugal force, from 7l. 7s. to 16 16 0

Atwood’s elegant and accurate apparatus for demonstrating the laws of accelerated and retarded motion, and other interesting particulars 25 4 0

Several small mahogany models for explaining the center of gravity, the line of direction, &c. 2 2 0

FOR PHILOSOPHICAL CHEMISTRY.

Glass bottles with bent necks, from 4s. to 0 10 6

A glass machine for impregnating water with fixed air, and apparatus 2 12 6

Glass eudiometer tubes, for ascertaining the salubrity of airs, &c. 0 10 6

Ditto as improved by Abbe Fontana, &c. 2 4 0

Gazometers by Priestley, Lavoisier, &c. from 1l. 1s. to 5 5 0

A blow-pipe, with various caps, for fluxing metals, &c. 0 7 6

Ditto, with silver spoon, megalascope, &c. 1 1 0

Ditto, ditto, with a variety of other necessary apparatus, packed in a fish-skin case, forming Cronstedt’s complete pocket laboratory, improved by Magellan 2 12 6

Magellan’s new portable lamp furnace, with the blow-pipe, small glass retorts, &c. &c. for chemical as well as mineralogical operations 4 14 6

Ditto, with the double bellows to apply to the blow-pipe 7 7 0

Double bellows, with deal table, and appendages, for glass blowing 2 12 6

A wooden tub for water, and another for quick-silver, with a selection of glass apparatus for performing the late discovered experiments on air 6 6 0

A box, containing all the useful precipitants of Bergman, &c. for analysing waters, and fluxes for the blow-pipe in phials with glass stoppers, with Gottling’s printed description of ditto 4 8 0

A mahogany case containing, in phials, a variety of preparations for young persons to perform amusive and instructive chemical experiments 3 13 6

Fumigating bellows for destroying insects in gardens, by tobacco, from 1l. 6s. to 1 16 0

Instruments of Recreation and Amusement.

The sensitive fishes, that have the property of swimming to a piece of bread placed at the end of a stick; and, when the other end is presented, of retreating and going back, sensible, as it were, of no substance for them to eat 0 6 6

The sagacious swan, that with a machine makes three kinds of amusements--1st. the swan will point out the secrets of the cards; 2d. it will point answers to 16 humorous enigmas; and 3d. disclose any particular hour that was thought of, such as going to bed or rising; packed in a case 1 18 0

A box containing four numbers and four letters, the order of which may be discovered, if ever so secretly placed, by means of a curious magic perspective 0 10 0

Ditto with five numbers, no perspective, but another very similar box, made in neat mahogany boxes, and more difficult to discover the reason of 1 18 0

A curious magic oracle, unfolding answers to any proposed questions secretly taken out of a bag 0 16 0

A magic painter, exhibiting a copy of any one of eight different paintings secretly chosen 0 10 6

A communicative mirror, shewing portraits of any one of four secretly chosen; an elegant and curious instrument 2 12 6

A box containing five pieces of different metals, which may any way be secretly placed, and their situation be told by the magical perspective 1 8 0

An optical paradox, containing two perspectives, between which a board may be placed, and the object will be seen through them just as well as if the board was not there 0 7 6

Ditto mounted in mahogany, larger size 1 8 0

An optical deception, containing from six to twelve different paintings, and which are looked down upon through a perspective, and immediately there appears another very different object, without any alteration of the instrument whatsoever, or concern of the person using it, from 1l. 11s. 6d. to 3 3 0

A diagonal opera glass, that shews persons on one side, when the glass is presented to the object directly before you, from 6s. to 0 15 0

A multiplying glass, making one object appear a great number, from 1s. 6d. to 0 10 6

A set of anamorphoses or deformed pictures rectified by a polished cylinder 2 2 0

A mathematical recreation, containing near seventy figures on a card; any one figure being thought of, is readily pointed out by any one using it 0 1 0

The two curious mathematical cubes, one of which is gauged so as to prove it to be larger than the other, yet the larger one will actually pass through the smaller one, and not in any degree stretch it 1 0 0

The mathematical paradox, a piece of wood of one figure, fits exactly, and passes through a triangular, a square, and a circular hole 0 2 6

A double cone, that apparently rolls upwards up an inclined plane, though actually descending 0 4 6

A magic well, in which may be put four buckets full of different seeds, and fairly mixed together; any particular seed of the above four kinds may be drawn up separately, and, when examined, will be found to be perfectly pure 1 11 6

A mechanical instrument, consisting of a cube and two wooden handles, that supports itself on a point, although the entire form and weight appear evidently all on one side 0 12 0

A cylindrical mirror that produces two or three curious optical effects 1 1 0

A magic or electrical bottle, that is charged by the rubbing of a ribband only, and will give a shock to five or six persons, with apparatus, in a pocket case 0 10 6

A set of the artificial fireworks imitated, containing a series of brilliant and entertaining scenes of fireworks, cascades of fire, &c. producing altogether a pleasing effect, and not attended with any trouble, noise, or danger, when using; the whole contained in a neat mahogany box 7 7 0

The magic lanthorn apparatus conjoined with the above 10 10 0

Concave mirrors fitted up in boxes, to magnify prints, to shew various deceptions in an entertaining and pleasing manner, from 5l. 5s. to 12 0 0

* * * * *

Besides the preceding, a great variety of other articles too numerous to be included in this catalogue, as well as any instrumental article made from particular drawings, or as described by the different writers upon mathematics, philosophy, chemistry, &c. &c.

* * * * *

Merchants, shopkeepers, schoolmasters, and others that sell again, are supplied with the best articles, and with good allowance.

Letters from the country or abroad, containing orders or previous enquiries, explicitly and punctually attended to.

Les académies, observatoires et ecoles des pays etrangers ainsi que les négociants, merchands et autres personnes peuvent se procurer toutes sortes d’instruments de la meilleure qualité, tant pour les matériaux, que la main d’œuvre, avec la plus grande expédition, et au plus juste prix.

BOOKS PUBLISHED BY W. JONES.

A Description and Use of the New Portable Orrery, to which is prefixed a short account of the solar system, including the new planet, the burning mountain in the moon lately discovered by Dr. Herschel, and the probable reasons why the comet did not appear, as lately expected, with two copper-plates, 4th edition 0 1 6

A Description and Use of the Hadley’s Quadrant, with an account of all the new apparatus added to it, for taking observations accurately, in order to determine the longitude at sea, illustrated by copper-plate figures, 2d edit. 0 1 0

A Description and Use of the Pocket Case of Mathematical Drawing Instruments, illustrated by copper-plate figures 0 0 8

Methods of finding a Meridian Line, to set sun-dials, regulate clocks and watches, &c. 0 0 6

Directions for finding a Meridian Line, on a card 0 0 3

A Concise Explanation of the Barometer, Thermometer, and Hygrometer, with rules for predicting changes in the weather, in a small book, 6d. on a pasteboard, varnished 0 1 0

Cowley’s Illustration of SOLID GEOMETRY, containing 42 copper-plates of moveable figures; a work very useful and convenient for teachers and young students of geometry, as the figures, when folded up, form exactly the solid figures of the Platonic bodies, conic sections, and several portions of Euclid’s Elements, &c. &c. boards 0 18 0

OTHER BOOKS SOLD BY W. AND S. JONES.

QUARTO.

The New Encyclopædia Britannica (printed at Edinburgh) a new edition, quarto, in 18 vols, or 36 parts, now complete, in boards price 18 18 0

This Dictionary of Arts and Sciences is upon a new and enlarged plan, and contains the systems of the different arts and sciences, under the different heads, as well as the explanations of the various detached terms.

Hutton’s (Dr.) Mathematical Dictionary, 2 vols. boards 2 12 0

Nicholson’s Philosophical Journal, four numbers, all that are now published, each 2s. 6d. 0 10 0

The Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, containing 11 vols. of the Abridgement; and from thence, the Continuation at large to the present time; the index, with Birch’s and Sprat’s history, 5 vols. all in uniform clean calf binding and tooled backs, in 58 vols. 60 0 0

Vince’s Treatise on Astronomy, 1st vol. sewed 1 4 0

OCTAVO.

Cavallo’s Treatise on Magnetism, with Supplement 0 8 0

Kelly’s Practical Introduction to Spherics and Nautical Astronomy 0 6 0

Moore’s Practical Navigator, or Seamen’s Daily Assistant 0 6 0

Nicholson’s First Principles of Chemistry, boards 0 7 6

---- Introduction to Natural Philosophy, 2 vols. 0 12 0

Nautical Almanacks, a complete set bound, 28 volumes 5 5 6

Ditto for any year to 1800 0 3 6

Requisite Tables to the above, unbound 0 5 0

Robertson’s Elements of Navigation, new edit. 2 vols. 1 0 0

Wale’s Method of finding the Longitude by Time-keepers, and Description of a Portable Transit Instrument, &c. 0 2 6

FINIS.

LONDON, Dec. 1, 1797

W. and S. JONES take this Opportunity of informing the Public that they have purchased the Stock and Copyright of the several Philosophical Essays by the late Mr. GEORGE ADAMS, of Fleet Street, and that they are now sold at their Shop in Holborn. The following are those now in print, and to be had as above.

I. AN ESSAY ON ELECTRICITY, explaining clearly and fuly the principles of that useful Science, describing the various Instruments that have been contrived either to illustrate the Theory, or render the Practice of it entertaining. The different Modes in which the Electrical Fluid may be applied to the human Frame for medical Purposes, are distinctly and clearly pointed out, and the necessary Apparatus explained. To which is now added, A LETTER to the AUTHOR, from Mr. JOHN BIRCH, Surgeon, on the Subject of MEDICAL ELECTRICITY. Fourth Edition, 8vo. Price 6s. illustrated with six Plates.

II. AN ESSAY ON VISION, briefly explaining the Fabric of the Eye, and the Nature of Vision; intended for the Service of those whose Eyes are weak and impaired, enabling them to form an accurate Idea of the State of their Sight, the Means of preserving it, together with proper Rules for ascertaining when Spectacles are necessary, and how to choose them without injuring the Sight. 8vo. Boards, Price 3s. Second Edition.

III. ASTRONOMICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL ESSAYS, containing, 1. A full and comprehensive View, on a new Plan, of the general Principles of Astronomy, with a large Account of the Discoveries of Mr. Herschel. 2. the Use of the Celestial and Terrestrial Globes, exemplified in a greater Variety of Problems than are to be found in any other Work: they are arranged under distinct Heads, and interspersed with much curious but relative Information. 3. The Description and Use of small Orreries and Planetaria, &c. 4. An Introduction to Practical Astronomy, by a Set of easy and entertaining Problems. Third Edition, 8vo. Price 10s. 6d. in Boards, illustrated with sixteen Plates.

IV. AN INTRODUCTION TO PRACTICAL ASTRONOMY, or the Use of the Quadrant and Equatorial, being extracted from the preceding Work. Sewed, with two Plates, 2s. 6d.

V. GEOMETRICAL AND GRAPHICAL ESSAYS. This Work contains, 1. A select Set of Geometrical Problems, many of which are new, and to be found in no other Work. 2. The Description and Use of those Mathematical Instruments that are usually put into a Case of Drawing Instruments. Besides these, there are also described several New and Useful Instruments for Geometrical Purposes. 3. A complete and concise System of SURVEYING, with an Account of some very essential Improvements in that useful Art. To which is added, a Description of the most improved THEODOLITES, PLANE TABLES, and other Instruments used in Surveying; and most accurate Methods of adjusting them. 4. The Methods of LEVELLING, for the Purpose of conveying Water from one Place to another; with a Description of the most improved Spirit Level. 5. A Course of PRACTICAL MILITARY GEOMETRY, as taught at Woolwich. 6. A short Essay on Perspective. The Second Edition, corrected, and enlarged with the Descriptions of several Instruments not contained in the former Edition, by W. JONES, Mathematical Instrument Maker; illustrated by thirty-five Copper-plates, in 2 vols. 8vo. Price 14s. in Boards.

VI. AN APPENDIX to the GEOMETRICAL AND GRAPHICAL ESSAYS, containing the following Table by Mr. JOHN GALE, viz. a Table of the Northings, Southings, Eastings, and Westings to every Degree and fifteenth Minute of the Quadrant, Radius from 1 to 100, with all the intermediate Numbers, computed to three Places of Decimals. Price 2s.

Just Published

ESSAYS ON THE MICROSCOPE,

BY THE LATE AUTHOR,

In Quarto, with thirty-four folio Plates, separate. The Second Edition, with many Corrections, Additions, and Improvements, by

FREDERICK KANMACHER,

Fellow of the Linnean Society.

Price 1_l._ 8_s._ in Boards.

Also in the Press,

And speedily will be published,

LECTURES

ON NATURAL AND EXPERIMENTAL

PHILOSOPHY,

In Five Volumes 8vo. The Second Edition, with upwards of Forty large Plates, considerable Alterations and Improvements; containing more complete Explanations of the Instruments, Machines, &c. and the Description of many others not inserted in the former Edition.

BY W. JONES,

MATHEMATICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL INSTRUMENT MAKER.

Transcriber’s Notes

Depending on the hard- and software used to read this text and their settins, not all elements may displayed as intended.

Archaic, unusual and inconsistent spelling, grammar and sentence constructions have been retained; accents etc. for French and German have not been corrected unless listed below.

Paragraph numbering has been retained, also when this was not serving any obvious purpose and/or was not contiguous.

The use of italicised and non-italicised reference letters in the text has not been standardised.

The hierarchy in (sub-)section headings has been based on the text, due to the absence of a detailed table of contents and lack of visible differences between the various levels of (sub-)section headings in the source document.

The plates were originally bound separate from the text, but in the source document used they were bound together with the text. Due to the way of binding parts of most plates are invisible and discoloured near and in the gutter. Captions and credits in and around the plates have been reconstructed as far as possible.

Larger versions of the plates may not be available in all file formats, but may be accessed through the browser version available at www.gutenberg.org. In the descriptions of individual items hyperlinks have only been provided to the Plates, not to individual figures in the plates.

Page xv-xvii and Index: the (alphabetical) order of entries has not been corrected.

Errata for page 49: ‘last line’ refers to footnote 28.

Page 32, Fig. 2. and description: as printed in the source document, even though the description does not fully fit the illustration (and vice versa).

Page 74, the end, Fig. 9 and 10: 9 and 10 are reference numbers within Figure 4 rather than figure numbers.

Page 78-79, Eight magnifying lenses ... the list annexed to these Essays: there are no Figures 5 through 12 in Plate III. Several of the items described may be seen in other Plates, but with different reference and figure numbers.

Page 83-84, The two large lenses at F, Fig. 3: there are no large lenses at F, Fig.3 in Plate IX or in Plate III (or in any other Plate).

Page 84, Massachuset’s States: as printed in the source document.

Page 162, ... for the feeding the growth ...: as printed in the source document.

Page 182, ... one of these, i i, b c, Fig. 3. Plate XIII, ... and Page 183, ... the middle part i i ...: there are no reference letters i in the illustration.

Page 205, They first fold back the parts A B: the reference letters are not present in the drawing.

Page 352, Skin of the lump sucker: Plate XVIII. Fig. 7 falls in the gutter of the plate, and has no caption.

Page 446, E. eliptica: eliptica and elliptica were both used.

Page 623, the blea, the bark, and the wood: as printed in the source document.

Page 636, The roundish mouth ... a thorny margin: as printed in the source document.

Page 691, Cold-arbour lane: possibly Coldharbour Lane or Cool Arbour Lane.

Page 695, The English collection contains ...: the numbers given do not add up to the total.

Page 701, knapeseed: probably an error for knapeweed or knapweed.

Page 703, Diptera, entries Oestrus: Footnote 88 continues for three pages (294-296) in the source document.

Plate XXX, Publishd: as printed in the source document.

Changes made

Footnotes have been moved to under the text to which they belong. Where necessary, page numbers in references to footnotes have been adjusted accordingly.

The book uses long dashes as ditto marks; several of these have been replaced with the dittoed text. Where necessary, the word Ibid. in references has been replaced with the actual title.

Minor obvious typographical and punctuation errors have been corrected silently.

The Errata have already been corrected in the text.

Fractions have been standardised m⁄n.

Page xxiv: N. B. moved from bottom of page xxiii to bottom of list.

Page xxvii: deau douce changed to d’eau douce.

Page 41: f A and G a changed to f A and g A.

Page 50: pour les mois changed to pour le mois.

Page 52: that it would changed to than it would.

Page 77: The stage, Fig. f g h i changed to The stage, Fig. 1, f g h i; the screw at a changed to the screw at a.

Page 81: Plate III. B, is the stage changed to Fig. 3 B, is the stage.

Page 85: that at C, Fig. 4 changed to that at C, Fig. 3.

Page 172: their divine original changed to their divine origin.

Page 216: the sphinx atropos squeaks changed to The sphinx atropos squeaks.

Page 361: friends, says the author, who are ... changed to friends,” says the author, “who are ....

Page 387: motion of the fluids are changed to motion of the fluids is.

Page 446: E. eliptica changed to E. elliptica.

Page 476: accuminatus changed to acuminatus.

Page 525: 340. changed to 240.

Page 560: Plate XXII. Fig. 66 changed to Plate XXVII. Fig. 66.

Page 703: page 187, note 623 changed to page 187 note, 623.

Page 704: muscle changed to mussel (Cancer pisum).

Index: the spelling of some entries has been standardised with that used in the body text.

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