334 Prof. G. Seguenza on Ellipsoidina, 
and more in accordance with the phenomena observable in allied 
Foraminifera, His introductory observations seem of sufficient 
general interest to warrant reproduction: the paper has there- 
fore been translated entire, with the exception of the concluding 
portion (referring to specific subdivision), which is based upon 
views since abandoned by the author. ‘The notes and supple- 
mentary matter are placed at the end as an appendix.—H. 3] 
“Natura maxime miranda in minimis.”—Linneus. 
** BeFroreE the celebrated Italian, Soldani, had commenced his 
elaborate researches upon the microscopic creatures now known 
under the name of Moraminifera, several other authors had 
mentioned them in their writings, e. g. Beccarius*, PlancusT, 
Gualtieri t, Ginanni§, Ledermiiller ||, and others; yet it was 
Soldani who, by close and persevering study, opened an un- 
limited field for future discovery by the publication of his 
widely celebrated works 4. ! 
*¢ Subsequently the immortal Linneus, by classifying them 
amongst other animals, endowed these little beings with scien- 
tific importance—an importance further increased by the work 
of Fichtel and Moll**, published in 1803, in which the Fo- 
raminifera are well illustrated and described. Accumulated 
observations afterwards opened the way for the dismemberment. 
of the large genus Nautilus of Linnzeus, which was effected by 
Lamarck Tt and Montfort ft. 
“The indefatigable Alcide d’Orbigny followed, and, by his 
unremitting labours and accurate observations upon these 
little animals, succeeded in forming his ‘ Tableau des Céphalo- 
podes,’ by classifying in genera all the known species, together 
with those he had himself discovered. ‘Till then it had been 
firmly believed that these microzoa were Cephalopods, be- 
cause they are provided with many-chambered shells, as some 
Cephalopods are; and the observations of M. d’Orbigny up to 
that time only confirmed this idea. Alas! to what great mis- 
takes anticipation may lead! We may from this error learn 
how much impartiality and accuracy is needed in every kind of 
observation, and especially in those pertaining to microscopical 
* De Bononensi arena (Comment, Academ. Bonon, i. p. 68). 
+ Ariminensis, De conchis minus notis. 1739, 
t+ Index testarum conchyliorum. 1742. 
§ Mare Adriatico, opere postume. 1757, 
|| Amusements microscopiques. 1764. 
{| Saggio orittografico, ovvero ec. 1780, e Testaceographia. 
** Testacea microscopica &e. tt Animaux sans Vertébres. 
t{ Conchyliologie systématique. 1808. 
