Books published by John Booth, Duke Street, Portland Place, London. 



steadily contemplated, there is a feeling superadded which makes the delight 

 more permanent ; for all of them mock the imitative power of man, and bear 

 evidences of omniscience which no sophistry can shake, no argument can over- 

 turn. 



Conchology considered in this view, requires nothing more to excite curiosity 

 or command attention. Its varied subjects exhibit a richness of colouring and 

 diversity of form, not to be exceeded by any other class of natural beings ; and 

 its numerous productions, when collected with care and arranged in order, will 

 afford the possessor a gratifying source of instruction and amusement. 



It will be proper to notice, that the arrangement which the author has pursued, 

 in order to render his work acceptable to the scientific Naturalist, is strictly 

 Linnaean. All systems built upon artificial principles must be liable to objec- 

 tions, and such is the system of Linnaeus. But as, notwithstanding the attempts 

 which have been made to form a more perfect arrangement, the structure raised 

 by the great Swedish Naturalist still remains unshaken, we cannot do better than 

 adhere to those rules which his authority has sanctioned. 



The plates which accompany this work, will be accurately drawn and engraved 

 from specimens only, and the possessors of the shells, to whose liberality the au- 

 thor has been indebted for their use, will be acknowledged at the head of their 

 respective specifications : where no such acknowledgement appears with the re- 

 ference to a figure, it may be presumed that the subject belongs to the author. 

 It is designed, in the course of the publication, to describe every species of shell, 

 and to figure all the most prominent, as well as those striking varieties which are 

 liable to mislead the Naturalist, and create confusion by causing an improper 

 multiplication of species. 



There have not been wanting those who have objected against collecting of 

 shells, as a trifling and useless employment: but let them recollect that all utility 

 is comparative ; and that no desire after what is curious, unless it be suffered to 

 absorb more important considerations, ought to be suppressed. A great part of 

 our time is but too apt to be wasted, and therefore any pursuit is commendable 

 that furnishes a rational amusement for that portion of life, which might otherwise 

 be lost in idleness. Nature teems throughout with interesting objects, each of 

 which, when properly considered, may become the subject of admiration ; and all 

 may feel an equal interest in their several occupations, from the philosopher who 

 contemplates myriads of animals in a drop of water, to him, who disclaiming 

 the minuter parts of the creation, spends his nights in watching the revolutions 

 of the celestial orbs, or penetrating the etherial space to worlds beyond our own. 



