PREFACE. 
The chief object in preparing this Synopsis has been to 
give, at one view, a complete Catalogue of all the Speci- 
mens of Sea Eggs (Echinidd) at present in the British 
Museum Collection, and an account of the species known 
to exist in other Collections, but which are desiderata in 
the British Museum, so as to enable travellers, collectors, 
and others, to assist in completing the National Collection. 
After the short description of the Genera and Species, a 
detailed list of the synonyma referring to the different 
authors who have described and figured the species, there 
is added an enumeration stating the condition, country, 
origin of, by whom presented, and other peculiarities of 
each specimen of the kind in the Museum Collection. 
The Second Part is in forwardness, and will be printed as 
soon as completed. 
JOHN EDWARD GRAY. 
British Museum, 
16th March, 1855. 
