3 
The science of Ancient Life, called Palaeontology (by 
H. D. de Blainville and Fischer de Waldheim), discusses 
these “ fossils ” or “ things dug up ” in relation to existing 
forms of life ; it is also concerned with their distribution 
through the various strata of the earth’s crust. 
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF FOSSILS. 
Visitors who are not familiar with the elements of this 
interesting study will do well to consult a series of eight Table- 
cases at the west end of the South Gallery. These cases 
contain a series of carefully selected specimens, both Australian 
and foreign, and there are also drawings, photographs, and 
descriptions, which altogether serve as a “ Primer of Palae- 
ontology.” The head-lines of the groups of specimens are 
as follows : — 
Examples of Fossils. 
Ideas of the Ancients regarding Fossils. 
How Animals and Plants have been Buried in the 
Stratified Rocks. 
Fossiliferous Rocks. 
Examples of the Hard Parts of Animals which are 
Usually Preserved as Fossils. 
Examples of Plant Remains which are Usually 
Preserved as Fossils. 
Evidence afforded by Fossils of Accompanying 
Conditions of Environment and Sedimentation. 
Methods of Fossilization and the Various Con- 
ditions of Petrifaction. 
Replacement of Organic Structures — Pseudomorphs. 
The Distortion of Fossils. 
Imitative Forms, or Pseudo-fossils. 
On the Value and Significance of Fossils. 
Type Fossils (108 species). 
Variation in Fossil “ Species.” 
RECENT ADDITIONS CASE. 
Here are exhibited newly-described or recently-donated 
specimens, accompanied by simple diagrams and descriptive 
labels. These are changed from time to time. 
