Summary

This short story is written in the form of a manual about various microscopic animals, geared toward science students. The manual directly addresses the student, describing 15 different types of these animals. The first of these creatures, the dawson, is described as exquisitely beautiful. It goes on to explain that the dawson is “sexy” and that for this reason, many young scientists are enthralled by it and dedicate themselves to studying it. Most work that has been produced about the dawson, however, reads like “distraught love letters” (137). The frustration in observing the dawson, is not being able to act on the love the observer has for the tiny creature. Due to this, the authors recommend to the students to limit their exposure to it.

The next creature, the eldrit, changes as soon as it is observed. As...