The Insect

An invisible world surrounds ordinary life in the account, extending above, below and all around the familiar world and into the air people breathe and the fluids they drink. The ocean appears to a navigator at night as a surface shimmering with light and forming garlands of fire, a spectacle that initially diverts the observer. A mother described as a butterfly or perhaps a beetle prompts wonder by remembering, after numerous transformations, the place or plant where she was nourished, for her offspring's benefit.

Termites are described as workers despite the formidable names given to their species, while the account distinguishes their gnawing teeth from weapons useful in combat. The description of termites excepts the soldiers when stating that these creatures have no important weapons, despite their elaborate jaws and four stages of teeth. The discussion of the life sciences considers sympathy, patient tenderness and close observation alongside a darker aspect, describing these sciences as sciences of death as well.