PREFACE 



TO 



THE SECOND EDITION. 



The study of Conchology having made considerable advances 

 within the last few years, the Author takes advantage of a 

 second edition being required, to introduce a more modern 

 arrangement, founded on the Molluscs themselves, instead of on 

 their habitation. Beyond a doubt this is the most natural, and 

 consequently the most scientific method of classifying the sub- 

 ject, the shells being in fact of little comparative importance, 

 when the animals which construct them are philosophically 

 considered ; as they merely serve the purpose of concealment, 

 or afford protection to the more delicate organs of the Mollusc. 

 The labours of Cuvier, Blainville, Owen, Forbes, Phiiippi, and 

 many others in the field of Malacology, have rendered even 

 tluse shelly habitations much more interesting objects, than 

 when they were looked upon only as pretty specimens for the 

 cabinet ; and in connection with their very curiously formed 

 inhabitant?, they present a study at once pleasing and wonder- 

 ful, from their perfect mutual adaptation. The satisfaction 

 derived from the possession of a cabinet of shells, cannot fail 

 to be greatly heightened by their being scientifically arranged, 

 and the pleasure they afford is infinitely increased, when a 

 knowledge of the wonderfully constituted inhabitant is added 

 to that of its beautiful habitation. 



In the first edition of Popular Conchology the great work of 



a 3 



