Historical Account of Testaccological Writers. 183 
cies to which they refer are in general of the most common kind. 
We cannot but lament that the hand of so admirable en engraver 
was not employed on subjects which more strongly needed the 
assistance of his art in order to be known ; for those which are 
figured by Regenfus fall daily under the notice of the most hum- 
ble collectors. Had this work been continued, however, it is 
probable that there would not have been so much ground for 
regret. Among the plates intended for a second volume (impres- 
sions of twelve of which are possessed by Sir Joseph Banks) the 
species figured are much more interesting than in the first; seve- 
ral of these are described by Dr. Martini (Berlin, Sammlung 6. 
Band. p. 667 — 669.) ; but it is to be feared that, as the original 
artist is now no more, the intention of editing them has been re- 
linquished. 
The " Opuscula Subseciva" of 
BASTER 
contain much anatomical and physiological matter of a very cu- 
rious nature, relative to testaceous as well as to crustaceous and 
molluscous animals. They were continued from the year 1759 
to 1765, forming six distinct books, each illustrated by very in- 
structive and interesting engravings. The propagation and ovaria 
of shell fish in general; the Ostrea, Mytili, Pholades, and Tellints; 
and several species of Testacea individually, are amply and satis- 
factorily treated of; in short, to those who are more studious to 
ascertain facts in the oeconomy, structure, and habits of animals 
than to store their memories merely with the names of genera and 
species, the works of Baster may be recommended, as containing 
a fund of important and original information. 
There is a translation of this author's dissertation on the Teredo 
navalis in the Philosophical Transactions, and it is accompanied by 
figures. -An 
