But are these two little stories really true?
Do they involve the consequences deduced from them?
Are not those who accept them as reliable testimony a little over-simple?
To be sure, simplicity is needed in entomology.

Without a good dose of this quality, a mental defect in the eyes of practical folk, who would busy himself with the lesser creatures?
Yes, let us be simple, without being childishly credulous.

Before making insects reason, let us reason a little ourselves; let us, above all, consult the experimental test.

A fact gathered at hazard, without criticism, cannot establish a law.
I do not propose, O valiant grave-diggers, to belittle your merits; such is far from being my intention.

I have that in my notes, on the other hand, which will do you more honour than the case of the gibbet and the Frog; I have gleaned, for your benefit, examples of prowess which will shed a new lustre upon your reputation.
No, my intention is not to lessen your renown.