History of Conchology in the United States. 21 



J. P. Couthuoy, a Conchologist of considerable reputation, 

 described a large number of our shells, principally marine, in 

 the Boston Journal and in this Journal, 1838-9. He accompa- 

 nied Wilkes' Exploring Expedition, as Conchologist, collecting 

 large numbers of Molluscous animals and their shells. Many 

 of the species contained in Dr. Gould's Mollusca of the Expedi- 

 tion, are described by him. 



John Clarkson Jay, M.D., of Mamaroneck, Westchester Co., 

 N. Y., has amassed a very large and valuable collection of shells ; 

 of which he has published several catalogues. The first edition 

 was issued in 1835; second edition in 1836, with descriptions of 

 new shells; third edition, 4to, 1839, with descriptions of new 

 shells — illustrated with ten colored plates ; fourth edition, 1850, 

 4to, containing 10,874 species, with a supplement (1852) contain- 

 ing 191 additional names. 



These catalogues are arranged on the Lamarckian system. 

 As all the synonyms are given besides the correct specific names, 

 and references constantly made to figures and descriptions, this 

 catalogue, (4th edit.) embracing as it does, so large a proportion 

 of all the known species of shells, is invaluable as a work of 

 reference, or as a guide to the formation of cabinets, and the ex- 

 change or cataloguing of specimens. The amount of labor on 

 the last edition of this work must have been immense ; the list 

 extending to 480 pages and embracing 40,000 names, including 

 synonyms ; each accompanied by a reference to a figure and 

 description. This could not be accomplished without years of 

 preparatory study, and a familiar knowledge of all existing au- 

 thorities on the subject. 



Exception has been frequently taken to portions of Dr. Jay's 

 Synonymy. To expect perfection throughout so extensive a 

 subject, would be to look for impossibilities — but Dr. Jay has 

 certainly a claim to be heard in this matter. With a magnificent 

 collection of authentic specimens, embracing in many cases nu- 

 merous varieties, and possessing, besides, a very complete library 

 of works on Conchology, his deliberate conclusions certainly 

 should have great weight among naturalists. 



J. P. Kirtland, M.D., of Ohio, a zealous naturalist, has given 

 considerable attention to the study of the Mollusca of his State. 

 Various articles from his pen, relating to the Naiades, &c, are 

 contained in this Journal for 1834, '37, '40. 



Dr. Kirtland also gives a list of shells, in his Zoological Report 

 of the State of Ohio. His latest publication on Conchology is a 

 paper read before the American Association for the Advancement 

 of Science, in 1851, and published in their Proceedings for that 

 year. It is entitled, " Remarks on the sexes and habits of some 

 of the acephalous Bivalve Mollusca." 

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