Notice of some Remarhable Eemains of Ehizodus. 133 



IV. Notice of some Remarkable BemaiTis of Eliizodus (bones, 

 scales, and teeth), recently discovered at Gilmerton by Mr 

 Robert Tervet. By David Grieve, Esq., F.G.S. (Speci- 

 mens exhibited.) 



These fossil remains were found by Mr Eobert Tervet at 

 West Edge, near Gilmerton, on 7th July last. The large 

 plate bone was in numerous pieces, and afterwards patiently 

 and carefully cemented together. 



Mr Tervet has taken considerable trouble in making an 

 analysis of a portion of one of these bones (Spec. 16), and 

 has sent me an elaborate statement of his formula in arriving 

 at his conclusions. I consider it only necessary, however, to 

 give the latter as under : 



Peecentage of Fossil Bone. 

 Fluoride of Calcium (uot estimated, but appreci- 

 able, inasmuch as it etclied words on glass), 

 Phosphate of Lime, 

 Carbonate of Lime, 

 Animal matter, . 

 Constitutional water, 

 Silica, 

 Alkalies, 



I apprehend that the constituents of the bones of all or 

 most of those large fossil fishes whose bones approximate to 

 the solid form and substance of the bones of the mammalia 

 are very much alike. I intended to have compared the 

 above analysis with that given by Dr Hibbert as the con- 

 stituents of the so-called Holoptieliius included in his paper, 

 which is to be found in the Transactions of the Eoyal Society, 

 vol. xiii., but in consequence of being confined by illness have 

 been unable to do so. This fish, subsequently named 

 Rhizodus Hibberti by Agassiz, is presumably the same to 

 which belong the remains now exhibited, so that the analysis 

 should be similar. 



The fossils have been under examination by my learned 

 colleague in the presidency, Dr Traquair, who has kindly 

 VOL. IV. R 



