2 September 1978 No. 244 NEW YORK SHELL CLUB Notgs 
i ibrary of color slides, visiting friends and asso. 
ped ti ay his knowledge: he travelled around the world two 
and a half times. 
's first venture into collecting; at an early 
nee te Fea cacusthe one of the foremost authorities on Australian 
coinage. When he turned his attention to shell collecting, Frank 
began to assemble a collection of the Volutes : age to eee 
Characteristically, he analyzed them in terms of the ha ge oc- 
curring color and pattern forms related to the geograp ical istri- 
bution of species. The results of his observations were published 
by him in MULTIFORM AUSTRALIAN VOLUTES, a listing of all the speci- 
mens he had examined over a period of years. It was this book which 
introduced him and his work to collectors all over the world. In 
order to record specimens not in his own extensive collection Frank 
developed a photographic technique which resulted in the superb 
shell slides which many of us enjoyed during his visits here. NYSC 
members well remember his visit in September, 1974 when he gave a 
specially arranged talk and slide show for them at the Broadway 
Dance Studio. 
Frank Abbottsmith was a perfect example of what an amateur in any 
field can do, to help the professional with his keen and accurate 
observations and to inspire, by his example, other amateurs. 
Frank J. Nelson 
TONI WOOD 
We are sorry to learn of the recent death of Toni Wood, formerly a 
member of the New York Shell Club, and well known to shellers who 
visit the Florida Keys. She was a resident of Big Pine Key where 
she also had "botel" accommodations for rental. Our sympathy is 
extended to her husband, Dan. 
HELEN DENNY 
We regret to announce the death of Mrs. James Denny at the age of 
72, on March 12, 1978, on Sanibel Island, Florida, where she owned 
and operated the Jewel Box shell shop on Sanibel. She was the found- 
er of the Southwest Florida Conchologist Society and was a member of 
Several other shell clubs (including the New York Shell Club which 
She joined in 1964). Helen Denny was renowned for her shell art. 
From: NAUTILUS 92(3)107 
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MAY MEETING 
After a brief business session, the meeting moved itself from Room 
oe to the fifth floor of the Museum, where the offices and work- 
ooms are located. The program for the day was in the hands of Dr. 
ale ae Emerson, Curator of Mollusks in the Department of Inver- 
rates, and William E. Old, Scientific Assistant. Leading sepa- 
oceee hess Sod a tour of the facilities of the mollusk 
3 ided as i i 
id socks ae elective look at the American Museum's 
Dye 


Emerson and Bill Old described the equipment of the department, 
