Foreign Butterflies

"Foreign Butterflies" by James Duncan is a scientific publication written in the mid-19th century. The book focuses on the diverse species of butterflies found in warmer climates, particularly highlighting their beauty and intricate forms compared to their temperate counterparts. It presents a detailed examination of various genera, enriching the reader's understanding of entomology and the characteristics that differentiate tropical butterflies from those found in other parts of the world. The opening of the book features a memoir of the French naturalist Jean-Baptiste Pierre Antoine de Monet, Chevalier de Lamarck, discussing his contributions to the field of natural history, particularly his pioneering work in botany and zoology. It touches upon Lamarck's life, education, and the evolution of his ideas on classification, showcasing his dedication to studying and documenting various species. Additionally, Duncan introduces the concept of the vast diversity and stunning aesthetics of foreign butterflies, describing their unique structures, colors, and the peculiarities of their caterpillars and chrysalides, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of these intriguing insects throughout the subsequent chapters. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

James Duncan (1804–1861) was a Scottish naturalist. After his education in Edinburgh, he followed the family tradition to work in the Scottish church. He however retired and worked with publishing firms, and among other works helping produce an index of Encyclopaedia Britannica.