[PW] A curious dye

[Peter Macinnis]

My source is 'Scientific American, 16 March, 1859, page 240.

A snippet reports that a chemist in Melbourne had developed a dye from 
"those nocturnal tormentors which infest bedding in many localities, 
have but one use, 'to teach mankind humility'."

I assume that this refers either to fleas or to bedbugs, and I am 
guessing that it was probably bedbugs.  I assume further that 'to teach 
mankind humility' is a literary allusion, but it has eluded me.

I am under the delusion that some kind soul may recognise the elusive 
and for now, illusory allusion, and may be willing to elucidate.

cheers

peter macinnis