Chapter VI The Mummy, Nymph, or Chrysalis
The meaning of the insect to the ancient Egyptians, 109
The beetle was regarded as a symbol of Eternity, 110
Has modern science swept aside the ancient poetry? 110 That it is not so, is shown by Réaumur’s discoveries, 111
Which show us the marvellous changes the insect undergoes, 112
And how in each stage of growth the next is prefigured, 113
However numerous or great the changes, the individuality is preserved, 114
A future life is provided for, as in the case of the human embryo, 115