Sphinx Vespiformis: An Essay

Sphinx Vespiformis: An Essay

The questionWhat was the Sphinx Vespiformis of Linnus?is one that has occurred to almost every entomologist. It seemed rather strange that Linnus should have described, in all his works, an insect which had no existence; yet that really appeared to be the case. Laspeyres, the clever monographer of the Europan Sesi, previously to the appearance of that work, wrote to my highly valued and ingenious friend, Mr. Clark, requesting that he would investigate and describe for him the real Linnan specimen of Vespiformis which was in the Linnan cabinet, at that time in the possession of the late Sir J. E. Smith. Mr. Clark not only described the specimen in question, but employed that excellent artist, Sydenham Edwards, to make a drawing of it, which was forthwith forwarded to Berlin. Laspeyres exclaims"Sed quod spectaculum!Sesia asiliformis erat."[1] This was too much to believe; the search was given up as hopeless, and the existence of the Linnan Vespiformis was pretty much considered a fable. On making some inquiries, a few months back, about the species of geria, the total loss of one out of the three Linnan species appeared a little unaccountable; and seeing the name of my friend in Laspeyres' work, in the note above referred to, I determined to have recourse to him, as the best authority on the subject. Mr. Clark, with the greatest kindness, at once accompanied me to pay a visit to the said Sphinx, now in possession of the Linnan Society: we instantly, on seeing it, fell in with the decision of Laspeyres"Sesia asiliformis erat;" yet it agreed excellently with the character which Linnus had assigned to Vespiformis: "Alis fenestratis; abdomine barbato nigro; incisuris tribus posterioribus margine flavis: capite annulo flavo."[2] No character could be more correct; the specimen was labelled in the handwriting of Linnus, and the fenestrated wings merely arose from the specimen being exceedingly wasted. The fact was decided: the proof is open to all; and the existence of Sphinx Vespiformis must henceforth cease to be a fable. To ascertain the place among insects, or even animated beings, which this Sphinx Vespiformis naturally occupies, I have attempted in the following pages. The Systema Natur has for years been the object of my most diligent search; but the idea which I have here taken of the subject is scarcely a month old. An anxiety to hear the opinions of others has urged me to scribble these few pages, with, I fear, far more haste than good speed; for it has happened that other engagements have prevented my affording them any time but that usually devoted to repose: so that the rapid and careless manner in which the sketch has been drawn, must be my apology for the very imperfect state in which I now offer it to the public. I feel, however, a firm conviction that my theory is too near an approach to truth, to suffer from any garb, however slovenly, in which I may have dressed it. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 43496
Author: Newman, Edward
Release Date: Aug 18, 2013
Format: eBook
Language: English