6 PREFACE BY THE EDITORS. 



In presenting to the public, for the first time, a complete edition 

 of Rafinesque, we forbear to express an opinion on the differences 

 which have unhappily arisen regarding the adoption of many of his 

 generic and specific names. Where the very highest authorities have 

 differed so much, it would seem presumptuous in us to make a 

 decision. The numerous valuable writings of our' author on 

 terrestrial and marine Mollusca (universally acknowledged as such,) 

 together with the great interest which has been awakened in his 

 descriptions of our Naiades, will doubtless render this volume an 

 acceptable addition to Conchological literature. 



Wm. G. Binney, 

 George W. Tryon, Jr. 

 Philadelphia, May, 1864. 



