R e v is ta d a S o c ie d a d e B r a s ile ir a d e M e d ic in a T ro p ic a l 2 7 (2 ): 1 1 5 , a b r-ju n , 1 9 9 4 .
N EC RO LÓ G IO
VINCENT B. WIGGLESWORTH, FRS (1899-1994)
This man founded insect physiology. There are several types of entomologists, taxomists following the linneal system, Behaviorists like Jean Henri Fabre, and now thanks to Wigglesworth1 insect physiologists. His master work is cited at the end of this brief homage. He made so many things clear about how insects function using especially R ho d nius p r o lix u s which was sent by Brumpt to the London
School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Later he moved to Cambridge where he became Quick professor of biology. In that role he sponsored 3 groups of students from Gonville and Caius College who visited Brasilia to work in field projects of the
Nucleo Tropical of the University. Of the first group two of these former students are now academic professors. Wigglesworth showed clearly that among insects exist forms of intelligence difficult for the human mind to understand. F ood for thought since insects will survive on this planet long after primates are history.
REFERENCE
1 . W ig g le s w o r t h V B . T h e p r in c ip le s o f in s e c t
p h ysiology . 7th ed ition , C hap m an and H all. L on don , 1992.
Philip D avis M arsden
