The Select Works of Anthony Van Leeuwenhoek; Containing His Microscopical Discoveries in Many of the Works of Nature Volume 1-2 - Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1800 edition. Excerpt: ...particles like those on brambles: two of these legs with their claws, are shewn at C O and D P. At DI and KI are pictured the two shields, or cases, with which the animal, when not in the act of flying, can cover the hind part of its body, so that I conclude, no particles of the wood, or of the Mace, nor my drops of water which may accidentally fall on its body, can injure the wings. Upon attentively contemplating these shields or cases, I was astonished at the wonderful and elaborate workmanship exhibited in this creature, which appears so minute to the naked eye, but does, I think, in perfection, far exceed the larger animals we daily behold. If we advert to the hind part of the body, formed with joints indented in the same manner as in the maggot, from which, by transmutation it was produced, and observe the Inultitudes of veins, scattered over it, we must more and more be confounded at such great perfection in so minute a creature. In like manner in the wings, we see many vessels and sinews, which sinews serve to expand and strengthen them; likewise many pointed particles or hairs, with which the membranes of the wings are covered: it is also worthy of Observation, how the wings are folded and doubled up, both in length and breadth (which is shewn between G and H, as nearly as the limner could imitate it) in order that they may be entirely covered by the cases; besides which, this animal is provided with another exceedingly minute wing on each side. Let us also consider, with what inconceivably minute sinews or muscles these wings must be provided, in order that the animal, when it prepares for flight, may unfold them both in length and breadth; and how the joints and sinews must be contrived, so to strengthen the wings when unfolded, ..