THE NAUTILUS. 141 



Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences and others. The need 

 of some such organization to systematize the work now being per- 

 formed by many specialists in different parts of America, is 

 almost self-evident ; and, as everything must have a beginning, a 

 meeting took place in Philadelphia upon April 2, 1890, at the 

 office of Mr. John H. Campbell, the originator of the idea, and 

 the " American Association of Conchologists " was the result. A 

 president and a secretary were selected, in order to carry into effect 

 the purpose of the Association and the first annual election of 

 officers was fixed for the first Wednesday of June next, so as to 

 enable all new members enrolled before that time, to take part 

 therein. 



As it would be impossible to hold regular meetings, of members 

 residing at so many widely scattered points, no provision is made 

 therefor. At some future time, if the Association becomes large 

 enough, the members may determine to hold a Convention. No 

 dues or charges are attached to membership, as there will be prac- 

 tically no expenses connected with the Association, beyond postage 

 stamps and stationery. If such expenses, become very great, the 

 members can provide for them in the future, by a small annual 

 charge, but for the present it will be unnecessary. It is desirable 

 also that students and young collectors should not be deterred from 

 joining the Association by reason of expenses attached to the mem- 

 bership. 



Each member is required by the rules (which are given below), 

 to choose some special subject for study. This was considered by 

 the meeting to be the most important part of the rules. By con- 

 centrating the attention of a member upon some particular branch 

 of conchology or some special fiimily or division of the jNIollusca, 

 he will be enabled to accomplish better results, even if he be a 

 collector only, than he will if he attempt to cover the whole range 

 of subjects. Hence even a beginner is required to make a selection. 

 Members can afterwards widen the range of their studies, as they 

 progress in knowledge. 



Each member is urged to make a special collection of shells, etc., 

 within his particular department, and is required, so far as his 

 department goes, to aid the other members in naming shells, deter- 

 mining questions, etc. For instance, if a member desires to make 

 an inquiry about North American Land and Fresh Water Shells, 

 he will write to a specialist on that subject ; if about South American, 



