Call no.: QL462 .R28 1734
René-Antoine Ferchault de Réaumur’s Mémoires pour servir à l'histoire des insectes is a classic work of 18th natural history. This six volume set is an extensive look into insect biology and behavior, and volume five (illustrated at right) includes one of the first modern scientific chapters on bees with comments on the construction and operation of hives (see his illustration of a skep).
Later authors often referred to Reaumur's History, citing its importance and accuracy. The 19th century apiarian Robert Huish described the work as helping to remove the veil which until then had covered the study of the most important and fascinating natural history of bees.
