James Barbut
From Wikiquote
James Barbut (c. 1711–1788) was a British painter and naturalist noted for his renderings of insects, mollusks, and crustaceans.
- The ſphinx atropos ſqueakes when hurt, nearly as loud as a mouſe, which, when uttered in the moſt plaintive tone, naturally ſhocks the human heart, and makes it ſhudder at the thought of deſtroying inoffenſive animals merely for the ſake of curioſity. I cannot help reflecting on this tyranny, this wanton cruelty, exerciſed by thoughtleſs man, on many animals, but eſpecially in inſects: 'tis certain, that every animal poſſeſſing life, has feeling; and, therefore, is as capable of ſuffering pain, as of enjoying pleaſure; and, as Shakeſpeare humanely expreſſes “The poor beetle cruſhed beneath the foot, feels the pangs of death as great as when a monarch falls.” Gentle reader, pardon this digreſſion, my feelings commanded my pen.
- The Genera Insectorum of Linnæus, Exemplified by Various Specimens English Insects drawn by Nature (1781)
