EDITOR'S NOTE 



In 1973, the Society reprinted Fitzinger's book, "Systema Reptilium" (1843), with an introduction by the late Robert 

 Mertens. To commemorate the Third World Congress of Herpetology in Prague, 2-10 August 1997, the first to be held 

 in Central Europe, we issue this volume which includes Fitzinger's other major herpetological titles. Since Mertens' s 

 biographical introduction to "Systema Reptilium" dealt with all of Fitzinger's works, it seems appropriate to republish 

 his introduction here. We do so with permission of the director of the Senckenberg Naturmuseum and Research Institute. 



The "Neue Classification" was apparently published sometime in June or July of 1 826. Fitzinger' s preface is dated 4 June. 

 The book was included in a list of new books received ("Eingegangen ... An Büchern") that was printed on the 

 unpaginated table of contents located on the outside rear wrapper of part 9 of Isis von Oken, Jena, volume 19 (volume 

 2 for 1826). This part of the Isis probably was issued in August 1826, since the latest dated references therein are in late 

 July (a list of books from the publisher F. A. Brockhaus, dated 21 July, on the reverse side of the contents page, and a 

 letter in column 944, on the last page of the part, dated Königsberg, 23 July). The correct citation for the "Anordnung 

 der Schildkröten" is Annalen des Wiener Museums der Naturgeschichte, Wienna,vo\ume l,part l,pages 103-128, 1835. 

 Although the title page of this volume of the Annalen is dated 1836, the part containing Fitzinger' s article apparently came 

 out in 1835, according to both Wiegmann (Archiv fiir Naturgeschichte, Berlin, volume 2, part 2, page 258, 1836) and 

 Engelmann (Bibliotheca Historico-Naturalis, volume 1. W. Engelmann, Leipzig, page 46, 1846). 



The decorative border used on the title page reflects Fitzinger's varied interests in vertebrates but especially in reptiles, 

 birds, and mammals. It was originally printed in 1873 by F. A. Brockhaus, a publisher in Leipzig, Berlin, and Vienna. 



The Society is indebted to Marinus S . Hoogmoed, Josef Eiselt, and Franz Tiedemann for their assistance with this reprint. 

 The librarians at Comell University's Olin Library have given much aid and advice. 



Production Specifications: This book was printed and bound by Thomson-Shore, Inc., of Dexter, Michigan, USA. It is 

 printed on 60-pound Joy White offset paper, a recycled stock. A total of 1 800 copies was published. The book was issued 

 at Ithaca, New York, USA, on 2 August 1997, coincident with opening day of the Third World Congress of Herpetology. 



FACSIMILE REPRINTS IN HERPETOLOGY 



Kraig Adler, Editor Timothy D. Perry, Associate Editor 



Issues in the Facsimile Reprints in Herpetology series can be purchased from the Publications Secretary, Robert D. 

 Aldridge, Department of Biology, Saint Louis University, 3507 Laclede Avenue, Saint Louis, Missouri 63103, USA 

 (re/ep/zon^: area Code 3 14, 977-3916 or 977-17 10;/ax:area Code 3 14, 977-3658; ^-ma/Z: ssar@slu.edu). Allst of Society 

 publications, including those of The Ohio Herpetological Society and the Catalogue of American Amphibians and 

 Reptiles, is printed at the end of this book; additional copies of this list are available from Dr. Aldridge. Facsimile Reprints 

 are published irregularly and ordered by separate subscription, although Society members receive a substantial pre- 

 publication discount. Suggestions for future Facsimile Reprints should be sent to the Editor: Kraig Adler, Comell 

 University, Section of Neurobiology and Behavior, Mudd Hall, Ithaca, New York 14853-2702, USA. 



Members of the Society receive a quarterly technical Journal {Journal of Herpetology) and a quarterly news-joumal 

 {Herpetological Review). Currently, dues are US$30.00 for students, $40.00 for all others, world-wide; institutional 

 subscriptions are $70.00. An additional $35.00 is charged for airmail delivery outside the USA. Society members receive 

 substantial discounts on Herpetological Circulars, Facsimile Reprints, and on books in the Contributions and 

 Herpetological Conservation series. The Catalogue is available by separate subscription. Apply to the Society' s 

 Treasurer, Robert D. Aldridge (address above). Overseas customers can make payments in USA funds or by International 

 Money Order. All persons may charge to MasterCard or Visa (include account number and expiration date). 



© 1997 Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles 



Library of Congress Catalog Number: 96-69973. ISBN: 0-916984-41-9. 



