LETTER I |
Introductory |
Page 1 |
LETTER II |
The Class "Vermes" and its subdivision into orders. Lumbricus terrestris, the common Earthworm. Its Form. Members of Locomotion. Mouth. Aliment. Nature of Worm-Castings. Digestive Organs. Circulating Apparatus. Nervous System. |
Page 8 |
LETTER III |
Mode of Reproduction in the Earthworm. Its Habits. Dwelling. Uses in the Formation of the Surface Soil. Conclusion.
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Page 17 |
LETTER IV |
Cuvier's Classification of Annelides and Insects. Guides to a Systematic Arrangement of Animals. Affinities between the Worm and Fly. Classification of Insecta, and the position of the House-fly (Musca domestica) in the Class. General Consideration of the Fly's Form and Structure. |
Page 26 |
LETTER V |
The Antennae or Feelers of the Fly; their Structure; and various theories regarding their Functions. The Eyes, compound and simple; their Structure and Uses. |
Page 34 |
LETTER VI |
The Mouth of Insects. The Proboscis of the Fly. The Members of Locomotion. Wings; their Structure. Wonderful Rapidity of Flight. Halteres or Poisers; their Anatomy and supposed Function. The Legs. Remarkable Organization of the Fly's Foot. Repetition of similar parts in the organs described. |
Page 43 |
LETTER VII |
The Anatomy of the Fly. Its Organs of Digestion; of Circulation; of Respiration. Wonderful Structure of the Spiracles, or Breathing-holes; and Tracheae, or Respiratory Tubes. Nrevous System. Considerations upon the Nervous System of the House-fly, as compared with that of its Larva and of the Worm. |
Page 54 |
LETTER VIII |
Life-History of the Fly. Organs of Reproduction. Mode of Depositing its Eggs. Table showing its remarkable Reproductive Powers. The Larva; the Pupa; Transformations The perfect Fly; its Habits. Strange fatal Disease to which it is subject. Its uses as a sanatory agent, &c. Transformation of Matter in the Animal Creation. Reflections upon Geological Facts in connexion with the Fly. Conclusion. |
Page 64 |