A MONOGRAPH 
OF 
THE BRITISH FOSSIL CORALS. 
INTRODUCTION. 
§ Ie 
Naturatists often designate under the general name of Cora/, not only the stony 
substance of a vivid red which is found on the coast of Barbary, and has been long used 
for ornamental purposes, but also a vast number of other marine productions, which have 
a calcareous structure, and are considered as appertaining to Zoophytes, more or less 
analogous to the Polypi that form the sis xodi/is of Linnzeus, or real Mediterranean Coral. 
The remains of the minute plant-like animals which abound in most tropical seas, and con- 
stitute in some parts of the globe extensive reefs, or even large clusters of islands, have thus 
been very properly called Cora/s. But the same appellation has been erroneously given to 
the lapidified teguments of many beings which differ most essentially from all Zoophytes, 
and belong some to the great Mollusca tribe, some to the family of Sponges, and others to 
the Vegetable kmgdom. In all Natural classifications it is necessary to separate that which 
is fundamentally different, and to unite that which is in reality similar. Zoologists must, 
therefore, be more reserved in the use of this expression, and cannot, without impropriety, 
continue to comprehend under the same name all the natural productions which are com- 
‘ In writing this Monograph in English, a language with which I am not so familiar as I could wish, 
I much fear that the incorrectness of the phraseology will often strike the reader. I preferred, however, 
not having recourse to a translator, for the meaning of an author is often misrepresented by those who lend 
him their pen, and I thought that in a work of this kind accuracy of description would be preferable 
to elegance of style. Before commencing the task I have undertaken, I must also beg leave to express 
publicly my grateful feelings for the kind and liberal manner in which Sir H. De la Beche, Mr. Stokes, 
Mr. J. 8S. Bowerbank, Professor John Phillips, Mr. Frederick Edwards, Mr. Searles Wood, Mr. Dixon, 
Mr. Pratt,Mr. Sharpe, Dr. Battersby, Mr. F. W. Fletcher, Mr. J. Gray, and the Council of the Geological 
Society of London, have communicated to me the paleontological treasures belonging to their respective 
collections. —H. Mrine Epwarps. 
