Blister Beetles and the Scientist
Once upon a time, there lived a bearded scientist who poked his nose into everything. One day, he was walking through an avenue of ash trees when he noticed some strange creatures on the leaves. What caught his eye were metallic green beetles. He immediately began collecting them by the dozens, putting them into a canvas bag.
The creatures pleaded with him desperately: “Let us live! Spare our lives!”
He paid no attention to their cries. He only stopped when his bag was full. On his way home, he pondered:
“These beetles must be hiding some secret. They look so peculiar!”
After returning from his walk, he locked himself in his small laboratory and set to work. He soaked all the beetles in alcohol. After several days, he filtered the solution. When the spirit had evaporated, a strange substance remained at the bottom of the beaker-cantharidin.
He soon discovered that this compound had extraordinary physiological properties. Without delay, he placed an advertisement in the newspaper:
Braun’s Lozenges-They’ll Make Your Dreams Come True!
A Preparation for Men-Guaranteed to Work!
Interest was enormous. Demand far exceeded supply. The unfortunate beetles were hunted and captured on a massive scale.
“Oh dear!” lamented the blister beetles, “If this continues, we’ll all become extinct.”
Whenever they saw a person approaching, they would panic and search for a safe hiding place.
It seemed their fate was sealed.
Suddenly, a glimmer of hope appeared.
Strange reports began to surface in scientific journals. The miraculous remedy was causing dangerous kidney inflammations. In some cases, it even led to death.
The interest in the beetles vanished instantly.
The blister beetles rejoiced. No longer did they have to hide and fear for their lives. Once again, they sought out their beloved ash trees.
Translated into English by artificial intelligence