6 
of controversy. Fossils are undoubtedly historic me- ~ 
dallions of remote periods in the natural history of 
our earth, and our design is, merely to illustrate with 
them a neglected department of ancient zoology, by 
describing a few which have om fallen under our 
own observation. ; . 
In some varieties of rocks there is voabiin found the 
fossil remains of an animal which bears some resem- 
blance to certain species of the crab. The back of 
this organic relic is commonly divided by two deep 
grooves or furrows, into three longitudinal lobes, and 
from this circumstance, the term Trilobite has been 
applied as a family name to distinguish this whole 
race of beings. This general appellation, however, 
though in most of the species, highly appropriate, is 
by no means applicable to all. 
The individuals which compose the family of the 
trilobites resemble each other in many important par- — 
the nature of the rock, and the organic remains, there may be a 
palpable discrepancy ; and that these may be even at complete 
antipodes with each other. The event has proved, from what we 
have already mentioned, that no evidence as to priority can be 
obtained from the nature of the fossil remains displayed in parti- 
cular strata. In addition to what has been said on this subject, 
we may further state, that encrinites, entrochites, and pentacri- 
nites are found in clay slate, grauwacke, transition limestone, al- 
pine limestone, lias, muschelkalk, and chalk. It may be reasona- 
bly asked how these three species of fossils could indicate any 
particular formation, when they are found in so many types and 
structures of rocks altogether different? If they would go to 
prove any thing at all, it would be that of a contemporaneous for- 
mation ; but certainly not distinct epochas.—See Eclectic Review, 
July, 1832. 
