

PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. 



It may be necessary in introducing this little volume, to 

 state, that it is strictly conchological, and that it is compiled 

 for the use not only of those who wish to acquire an elementary 

 acquaintance with the subject, but also of authors and others, 

 who, desirous of extending their knowledge and pursuing their 

 researches, require a book of reference, containing a general 

 outline of what has been done by those who have trodden the 

 same path before them. It has been thought advisable, for 

 general convenience, to arrange the principal part of the 

 information in alphabetical order; adding tables of the sys- 

 tems of Lamarck and De Blainville, to facilitate the systematic 

 pursuit of the science. 



Persons of the class first alluded to, will find great assistance 

 in the explanation of technical words, their application being 

 further illustrated, in most cases, by a reference to the figures ; 

 and, although they might have been multiplied, it is trusted 

 that enough are given for every useful purpose. 



The definition of the Classes, Orders, Families, and Genera, 

 in the system of De Blainville, and a tabular view, are pre- 

 sented for the use of those who prefer it, or who wish to com- 

 pare it with that of Lamarck. 



In the explanation of the figures, will be found a systematic 

 arrangement of shells, according to Lamarck, including the 

 names of genera established or proposed since the publication 

 of his system. The descriptions of established genera have 



