Historical A ccoun t of Testaceological Writers. 1 83 



cies to which they refer are in general of the most common kind. 

 We cannot but lament that the hand of so admirable en engraver 

 was not employed on subjects which more strongly needed the 

 assistance of his art in order to be known ; for those which are 

 figured by Regenfus fall daily under the notice of the most hum- 

 ble collectors. Had this work been continued, however, it is 

 probable that there would not have been so much ground for 

 regret. Among the plates intended for a second volume (impres- 

 sions of twelve of which are possessed by Sir Joseph Banks) the 

 species figured are much more interesting than in the first; seve- 

 ral of these are described by Dr. Martini (Berlin. Sammhing 6". 

 Band. p. 667 — 6G9-) I but it is to be feared that, as the original 

 artist is now no more, the intention of editing them has been re- 

 linquished. 



The " Opnscula Subseciva" of 



BASTER 



contain much anatomical and physiological matter of a very cu- 

 rious nature, relative to testaceous as well as to crustaceous and 

 molluscous animals. They were continued from the year 1759 

 to 1765, forming six distinct books, each illustrated by very in- 

 structive and interesting engravings. The propagation and ovaria 

 of shell fish in general ; the Ostrece, Mytili, Pholades, and Tellince; 

 and several species of Testacea individually, are amply and satis- 

 factorily treated of; in short, to those who are more studious to 

 ascertain facts in the ceconomy, structure, and habits of animals 

 than to store their memories merely with the names of genera and 

 species, the works of Baster may be recommended, as containing 

 a fund of important and original information. 



There is a translation of this author's dissertation on the Teredo 

 navalis in the Philosophical Transactions, and it is accompanied by 

 figures. An 



