4 Proceedings of the Eoycd Physical Society. 



ing their remains were deposited. More than this, the 

 remains of molluscous animals, with those of plants and 

 some reptiles, recall to us the former existence of many an 

 old land surface. 



The importance of the Mollusca has not been underrated 

 by some of our best authorities. Professor Owen remarks — 

 "The remains of the Testacea, or shell-bearing molluscous 

 animals, are the most common of all fossils, and afford the 

 most complete series of ' medals,' or characteristic signs, for 

 the identification of strata."* 



The late Dr Buckland observed — "Concurrent with the 

 rapid extension of our knowledge of the comparative anatomy 

 of extinct families of the ancient inhabitants of the earth 

 has been the attention paid to Fossil Conchology, a subject of 

 vast importance in investigating the records of the changes 

 that have occurred upon the surface of the globe." 



Again, Mantell observes — " The shells of Mollusca, from 

 their durability, often escape obliteration under circumstances 

 in which all traces of the higher order of animals are lost, 

 and they become, therefore, of the utmost importance in the 

 speculations of the geologist." 



Lastly, the late Sir Charles Lyell, amongst his charming 

 writings, remarked that, "Shells are by far the most im- 

 portant class of organic beings which have left their spoils in 

 the subaqueous deposits, and they have been truly said to be 

 the models which Nature has chiefly selected to record the 

 history of the former changes of the globe. There is scarcely 

 any great series of strata that does not contain some marine 

 or fresh-water shells." 



This brief introduction will, I trust, Gentlemen, serve to 

 indicate the importance of that branch of Palceontology I 

 have selected to bring before you this evening, under the 

 title of " The Palaeozoic Conchology of Scotland." It would, 

 doubtless, have been far more interesting and comprehensive 

 to have treated of the " Fossil Conchology of Scotland," pure 

 and simple. This, however, notwithstanding the enticing 

 nature of the subject, would have led me beyond the time at 

 my disposal, to say nothing of the trial of your patience. 



^ Paloeontology, 1860, p. 48. 



