TOW #17 Stinging Insects IRB Part 2

In the second half of Edward Saunders's Stinging Insects, a scientific introduction to the subjects of etymology and toxicology, his curriculum-tactic discussed in the first post on this text has developed a few additional rhetorical strategies to further his goal of educating interested laymen. The first strategy attempts to deal with the frightening vocabulary and scientific content of the text through informal, almost casual language. His second strategy attempts to help the reader retain the information through repetition.

Most forms of scientific writing are simple. In almost all situations, the text is either directed toward casual science fans or well-educated scientists. The casual texts like Popular Science and similar science magazines can sacrifice technicality for entertainment. The educational texts like the American Journal Science and Arts can use highly technical language. However, texts like this one, which attempt to form a bridge and speak to only partially knowledgeable audiences must deal with introducing highly technical language to a new audience. Saunders handles this well by using informal language. For instance, Saunders explains, "I think it is only right to add some remarks on the structure...of insects, so that any one who wishes to follow up the subject may...get fuller and more exact data," (124). This language, while surprisingly personal, does help to get across the more obtuse concepts.

In books like this one, which feature constant new information and without the benefit of a story line to solidify the points made, it is often difficult for readers to retain the barrage of data and concepts with which they are presented. In order to combat this, Saunders continually references old information in his work. For instance, the concept of constant physical growth in some insects is reexplained several times in the text in order to drive this principal mechanism of etymology home. This strategy is highly effective, if a little tiring, but the unique writing style of the author helps to distract from a practice which does become occasionally annoying.

On the whole, despite minor flaws in the tone of Saunders work, its claimed goal of informing and inspiring potential etymologists can definitely be said to be achieved. Having a scientifically-inclined audience certainly helps, but Saunders still had a difficult task. Insect classification and behavior, even stinging insect classification and behavior is not the most glamorous branch of biology. However, through clever techniques and inexhaustible style, this text manages to do anything but bug its readers.