2 INTRODUCTION TO CONCHOLOGY. 



The creatures of which we speak are termed Mollusks, a 

 word derived from the Latin, and signifying soft, for their 

 nature is flesliy and unjointed, boneless, and (except in the 

 most highly organized), without even an internal cartilaginous 

 frame-work. Each individual may be consequently re- 

 garded as composed of two parts ; the one, endowed with 

 organs of motion, vision, and muscular contraction, pecu- 

 liarly adapted to its nature ; the other, its shell or habitation, 

 which is generally hard and calcareous, partially or entirely 

 covering the inhabitant, wliich is attached to it bv means 

 of muscles ; and, however unimportant some of the species 

 may appear, we shall certainly discover that they are as ex- 

 quisitely contrived, and as carefully wrought for the place and 

 station which they are designed to fill, as the higher orders of 

 creation. K'ay, fm-ther, if we consider the prodigious number 

 of individuals, the shape and construction of their little 

 bodies, their motion, instincts, and, to say no more, the in- 

 comparable beauty and lustre of the colours with which 

 their coatings are shaded and adorned, where shall we dis- 

 cover more striking demonstrations of an Aluiighty Creator, 

 than in this minute and, till lately, neglected branch of 

 natural Instory ? 



Some species inhabit the sea ; others, fresh water ; others, 



