The exploits of a host of Wasps whose flesh-eating grubs are provided with meat that is motionless though not dead have taught us the skilful art of the paralysing insect, which numbs the locomotory nerve-centres with its venom.

We have now a humble little animal that first produces complete anaesthesia in its patient.

Human science did not in reality invent this art, which is one of the wonders of latter-day surgery.

Much earlier, far back in the centuries, the Lampyris and, apparently, others knew it as well.

The animal's knowledge had a long start of ours; the method alone has changed.