History of Conchology. 245 



gical questions which divided the then medical world afford the 

 fullest proof of his acuteness, judgment, and extensive learning.* 

 His works deserve the attentive perusal of every student in con- 

 chology, who will not fail to reap advantage from the task, even 

 though he should go to it acquainted with the subject from recent 

 authorities. 



Lister was a true naturalist, and the first conchologist of decid- 

 ed eminence. His anatomical works show how clearly he under- 

 stood that the structure of the animals was the main object of our 

 study, — its only sure foundation, and its best claim on our atten- 

 tion., — but he was also very observant of the habits, instincts, and 

 peculiarities of snail and shell, and was at the same time zealous to 

 acquire an extensive and accurate knowledge of species, to which 

 end he sacrificed much. At his own cost, and with the labour of 

 years, he completed and published a volume of plates, which is the 

 pride of collectors, and is prized to this day for its utility. " His 

 figures," Dr Maton and the Rev. Mr Rackett tell us, " both in 

 point of number and faithfulness, are with reason still held in such 

 high estimation, that no person attached to this branch of natural 

 history can advance in it without the constant use of them, nor 

 without finding them preferable for reference to many more splen- 

 did engravings which have succeeded them."t — " This admirable 

 volume," says Dr Turton, " contains one thousand and fifty-five 

 plates, besides twenty-one of anatomical figures, all drawn from 

 original specimens by his two daughters, Susanna and Anna. Con- 

 sidering the state of natural science at the time this work was first 

 issued, one hundred and thirty-three years since, it is impossible to 

 contemplate this stupendous effort of genius and industry, without 

 admiration at the grandeur of the design, and the correctness of its 

 execution." :[ 



It was Lister's intention, after the publication of this volume of 

 plates, to have proceeded with an anatomical description of every 

 family or genus in its proper order, if God should grant him life 

 and leisure, but from adverse health he was not permitted to do 

 more than to anatomize the terrestrial slugs and snails, some fresh- 

 water Turbines, one or two of the marine Buccina, and a part of the 

 Bivalves. The design was worthy of the man, and is a fine example 

 of unwearied assiduity, which nought but a genuine enthusiasm 



* His opinions relative to the functions of the liver in Mollusca appear de- 

 serving of more attention than they have yet received. See the Exer. Anat. de 

 Cochleis, p. 79, &c. 



f Lin. Trans, vii. p. 138. 



\ Conchological Dictionary, Introd. p. xvi. 



VOL. II. NO. 9. R 



