THE NATURALIST. 



MARCH, 1832, 



CONCHO LOGY. 



NO. I. 



The term Conchology is derived from the Latin concha, a 

 shell or shell fish, and Greek logos, discourse, and compre- 

 hends that branch of natural history which treats of shells, 

 distributes them into genera and species, and describes the 

 character and economy of the animals which inhabit them. 



To some, the examination of this department of science has 

 appeared useless, and unworthy to occupy the time and talent 

 of an informed mind. Reasoning with persons of this de- 

 scription, is seldom attended with any good effect. Ignorant 

 of the advantages which have resulted to mankind from an 

 intimate acquaintance with natural objects, they overlook the 

 steps by which they have been gained : and likewise seem to 

 forget, that the examination of those objects which an all- 

 perfect Being has created, can never be degrading to man, 

 who was sent into this world in order to examine, admire and 

 adore. 



Besides, if we attend to the variety of forms which shells 

 exhibit, and to the richness of their coloring, we will not be 

 surprised that they have obtained a conspicuous place in 

 public collections, and have attracted the notice of the curious 

 observer. But to view shells merely as objects of beauty, 

 without attending to the animals of w^hich they only form a 

 part, would be to overlook by far the most important branch 

 of the science ; and, like the florist, to take notice of color 

 and shape, and neglect to attend to those functions which, 

 while they excite our astonishment, exhibit marks of design. 

 The examination of the contained inhabitants, enlarges our 

 kno\lledge of the laws of animal life, and teaches us that 

 each shell, however insignificant it may seem to be, possesses 

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