18th-century Entomologist Quotes

William Kirby (entomologist)

Agostino Bassi

The sphinx atropos squeakes when hurt, nearly as loud as a mouse, which, when uttered in the most plaintive tone, naturally shocks the human heart, and makes it shudder at the thought of destroying inoffensive animals merely for the sake of curiosity. I cannot help reflecting on this tyranny, this wanton cruelty, exercised by thoughtless man, on many animals but especially in insects: 'tis certain, that every animal possessing life, has feeling; and, therefore, is as capable of suffering pain, as of enjoying pleasure; and, as Shakespeare humanely expresses The poor beetle crushed beneath the foot, feels the pangs of death as great as when a monarch falls. Gentle reader, pardon this digression, my feelings commanded my pen.

All infections, of whatever type, with no exceptions, are products of parasitic beings; that is, by living organisms that enter in other living organisms, in which they find nourishment, that is, food that suits them, here they hatch, grow and reproduce themselves.

In the minds of most men... an Entomologist is synonymous with everything futile and childish. [Involved in a] science which, in nine companies out of ten companies with which he may associate, promises to signalise him as an object of pity or contempt.

William Kirby (entomologist)