New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1886-10-31
UHY THE MOSQUITO UAS MADE


The mosquitoes function in the economy of
Nature has always been one of the mysteries of
science Owing to the unpopularlty of this
insect in every skinned community the
coniectures hazarded respecting his mission and
occupation have rarely been favorable to his
character and motives. In no quarter of the
earth is the mosquito accredited with benevO-
lent feeling for the human species. Both in
ancient and modern times he has been regarded
as the most malicious and unprincipled enemy
of mankind. The purpose for which he was
created has been con sidered as inexplicabe "a
mystery as the doctrine of original s,n. The
most II alevOleDt theorists have never been able
to suggest IN hypothesis that would adequately
account for his abnormal deprayity.
A Spanish physiologi>t living IN the West In
dies has recently ascertained the secret of the
mosquitoes existence. He announces the dis
cOvery with air of confidence and has a
compact array of statistics and scientific data in
support of his theory. Science introduces him
as Dr. Finlay, of Havana, and briefly states
that he has demonstrated to his own satsfac-
ton that the mosquito as created in order TO
facilitate the spread of yellow fever and pre-
sumably of other diseases. The Havana mos
quito after singing yellow fever patient re-
tans on its exterior the germs of the disease
which are speedily conveyed to the next victim
attacked. Dr. FInlay does not believe that the
pestllence can be transmitted through the air
or by contact. 1T there were no MOSQUITO, s. the
disease would not be contagious. Yellow fever
would be comparatively harmless, if there
were no active agents on the wing to facilitate
the process of incubation and to spread the
hetIu
which there is an outbreak of this dread disease
in a brisk mosquito year
Whatever may be the scientific merits of DR.. |
Finlay's theory. it will be generally accepted |
as the closes, approach yet made To an aieauate |
explanation OF the mosquitoes reason for |
being. 1t corresponds with all that il known
of his evil propensities and depraved instincts.
The unhappy native of New-Jersry, hiding his
face under the blanket, has convicted himself |
of lack of imagination when he has fancled
that the winged tormentor was thirsting for a
drop of his blood. Dr.. Finlay teaches him that
The mosquito Is plotting greater mischief than
the flching of innocent gore. The sting is
stepped in other peoples miseries. The noisy
VISITORS wings are tipped with malaria diph-
heria consumption aud every i'll to which flesh
3 heir. The mosquito comes to faint the We
inns blood with all the posons of adjacent
ownships. He scatters broadcast the germs of
lisease and death. Tie undermines the strong
st constitutions; he ruins the reputation of the
arrest and most healthful suburbs lie brings
mills -and-fever from the next town to 10 To-
atty which as all the residents know is Gu
irrly free from it. He impars the value OF
country real estate by the importation of ma
aria from remote regions. lie is the most
ctive agent in tine spread Of contagion in the
ealthicst hanlets. He not only hlches from
he unwary victim the blood of innocence. but
% leaves behind in tha wnnnd the sting of DIS