U.S. NATIONAL MUSEUM BULLETIN 262 



maintains a large nontype collection of identified specimens arranged 

 taxonomically, in cooperation with the Paleontology and Stratigraphy 

 Branch of the U.S. Geological Survey. Unstudied specimens are gener- 

 ally filed by occurrence data in a third collection. 



The Catalog 



The cephalopod catalog is divided into four major chapters: Nautiloidea, 

 Ammonoidea, Bactritoidea, and Coleoidea. Within each chapter the taxa 

 are listed alphabetically by genus and species. With one exception, a 

 specimen is entered only once and under the first generic and species 

 combination assigned, regardless of the number of times it is redescribed 

 or reillustrated. The exception is a previously described specimen that 

 is redescribed as a primary type of a new species, whether or not the 

 generic designation is also changed. 



The catalog is meant to be an objective and brief listing of type speci- 

 mens and not a source book for occurrence data, synonymies, or strati- 

 graphic interpretation of any kind. Individual citations include the bino- 

 men, author, date, page, plate, figure numbers, kind of type, catalog 

 number, rock unit as originally designated, and state, province, or coun- 

 try, whichever best applies. A full bibliography is located at the end of 

 the catalog. 



Use of the Collections 



VISITORS TO THE MUSEUM.-Qualified professional people and grad- 

 uate students recommended by their universities are welcomed and en- 

 couraged to use the collections of the division. Equipment is limited, 

 especially during university vacation periods, so it is generally useful 

 to inquire in advance about availability. Research areas are generally 

 closed on Sundays and holidays. 



LOANS.— Loans of specimens in all categories are made regularly by 

 mail in North America, and all but holotypes are loaned abroad. During 

 fiscal 1966, 12,869 specimens were sent out on loan. Loans are made 

 to educational and research institutions for the use of their professional 

 staff within institutional quarters only. Loans for the use of graduate 

 students are made through their major professor or departmental head. 

 Nontype material is loaned for 2 months, or longer if needed. Loans will 

 not be made to private individuals at private homes. 



