Chapter VI The Silkworm
The exquisite structure of a woman’s hair enlarged upon, 185
What can compare with it? Only the silkworm’s thread, 186
Peculiar charm attending the silkworm’s labours, 186
And the preciousness of the silken product, 187
Something is said about the use of silk in Mediæval France, 188
And on its excellence and fitness as a garment for Beauty, 189
CHAPTER VII.—INSTRUMENTS OF THE INSECT: AND ITS CHEMICAL ENERGIES, AS IN THE COCHINEAL AND THE CANTHARIDES.
Hitherto the writer has treated only of the silk of the bombyx, 193
He now commends the culture of other silk-spinning species, 194
And is led to speak of the ingenious instruments with which insects are provided, 194
And of their general powers and properties, 195
Something is said about their weapons, 196
And the malalis is spoken of, 197
CHAPTER VIII.—ON THE RENOVATION OF OUR ARTS BY THE STUDY OF THE INSECT.
The Fine Arts would profit by a close study of the insect, 201
Much might be learned, for instance, from the cockchafer’s wing, 202
Nature is full of suggestive beauty, 203
Observe the enamels of the cicindela, 204
And those of the scarabæi, 205
Instead of copying from antique absurdities, go then to the insect-collector’s cabinet, 206
And its treasures will inspire the artist with new ideas, 207