_Fam._ Orthocerata, Bl. and Lam.--_Descr._ Straight, conical,
consisting of two parts; the _external_ portion forming a thick solid
sheath, with a cavity at the base to admit the internal portion or
nucleus, which is mathematically conical, and is divided into chambers
by smooth simple septa perforated by a lateral siphon.--_Obs._ These
singular fossils, which are found in most secondary beds, have long
attracted the attention of philosophers as well as of the ignorant,
from whom they have received the various appellations of
Thunder-Stones, Petrified Arrows, Petrified Fingers, Devil's Fingers,
Spectre Candles, &c. The above description is framed to include the
genera Hibolithes, Porodragus, Cetocis, Acamas, and Paclites of De
Montfort, and Actinocamax, Stokes. Fig. 466 to 468.
BELLEROPHON. Montf. (or Bellerophus).--_Descr._ Convolute, symmetrical,
umbilicated, with a double dorsal ridge; aperture wide,
semilunar.--_Obs._ The fossils composing this genus resemble Nautilus
in general appearance, but not being chambered shells they approach
very near to Argonauta, from which they differ only in the thickness of
their shell and in roundness of their external form. This genus is
erroneously placed by De Montfort among chambered shells, and by De
Blainville next to Bulla. It belongs to the Monothalamous Cephalopoda
of Lamarck. This fossil is found principally in the Carboniferous
Limestone. Fig. 486, 487, represent B. tenuifasciata.
BELOPTERA. The bony support of a species of Cuttlefish, partly
resembling Sepia.
BIAPHOLIUS. Leach. A genus believed to be identical with Hiatella.
BI-AURICULATED. Having two auricles placed at the sides of the umbones,
as in Pecten, fig. 171. See AURICULATED.
BICATILLUS. Sw. A sub-genus of "Calyptrædæ," including those species,
which have cup-shaped internal septa, as for example, Calyptræa
extinctorium, fig. 235.
BICONIA. Sw. A sub-genus of "Calyptrædæ," including those species in
which the septum is partly spiral.
BIFID. Divided, double.
BIFRONTIA. Deshayes. Also OMALAXIS, Desh. _Fam._ Turbinacea,
Lam.--_Descr._ Discoidal, planorbicular, with whorls sometimes not
contiguous; umbilicus deep, keeled at the margin; aperture
subtriangular, somewhat dilated; outer lip acute, separated by a deep
notch at both extremities.--_Obs._ We do not see any reason for
separating this genus from SOLARIUM, except the last mentioned
character. The few fossil species which this genus contains (Solarium
disjunctum, Bifrons, &c.) are found principally in the Paris basin.
Fig. 354. Solarium Bifrons.
BI-FURCATE. Double pronged, or having two points. _Ex._ the internal
appendage of Calyptræa Equestris, fig. 234.
BIGENERINA. D'Orb. A genus of microscopic Foraminifera.
BILABIATED. Having the edge of the outer lip as it were doubled, by one
part of the lip being more thickened and reflected than the other, so
as to form a ledge, or second lip.
BILOBATE. Having two prominent parts, as the outer lip of Rostellaria
Pes-Peleeani, fig. 404.
BIPARTITE. Composed of or divided into two parts; double; as the valves
of Platylepas, fig. 19, each of which has a septiform division in the
centre; also the area on the hinge of Spondylus. See Frontispiece.
BIROSTRA. Sw. A genus composed of species of OVULUM, which have
elongated extremities, as, for instance, Ovulum Volva, fig. 442.
BIROSTRITES. Lam. (Double Beak.) A fossil formerly considered as a
distinct bivalve shell, with conical umbones, and placed in the family
of Rudistes by Lamarck, but now known to be an internal cast of
Sphærulites, fig. 196.
BISIPHYTES. Described by De Montfort as resembling a Nautilus, but
having two distinct siphons. As no such fossil species is now known to
Naturalists, it appears probable that De Montfort having a specimen of
some Nautilus, with an accidental depression, took it for a second
siphon.
BITHINIA. Gray. A genus described as differing from PALUDINA, in having
the operculum shelly, and the mouth of the shell thickened internally.
PALUDINA impura, Auct. Fig. 537.
BITOMUS. Montf. A microscopic shell, deriving this general appellation,
from the appearance of a double aperture.
BIVALVE. A shell composed of two equal, or nearly equal principal
parts, each part having a separate nucleus, turning upon each other by
means of a hinge. The class Conchifera of Lamarck, Acephalophora of De
Blainville severally include the whole of the bivalve shells; the
latter name being derived from the fact that the animals have not
distinct heads, and neither eyes nor tentacula. All bivalve shells are
marine or fresh-water. They form the class Dithyra of Aristotle. It may
be observed that some of the Acephalophora, the Pholades, for example,
have small testaceous pieces fixed on the hinge, which are called
accessary valves. These are still fairly bivalve shells, although the
genus Pholas has been placed by some writers among the multivalves.
BOAR'S TUSK. A common name given to shells of the genus Dentalium. One
particular species has received a specific name in accordance with a
supposed resemblance, namely, Dentalium Aprinum, (of a Boar.)
BONELLIA. Desh. A genus formed, in the first instance, for the
reception of Bulinus terebellatus, Lam. which Mr. G. B. Sowerby, in his
Genera of Shells, united with the genus PYRAMIDELLA. M. Deshayes,
however, in his new edition of Lamarck, makes the genus Bonellia
include several species which I have arranged in the genus Eulima. From
the remarks of M. Deshayes, tom. 8, p. 286, 287, we are led to suppose
that the estimated difference between Eulima and Bonellia consists in
the latter having the axis perforated; or in other words, umbilicated.
After remarking "que Mr. Sowerby, junr. confond deux choses bien
distinctes, sous le nomme d'Eulima," M. Deshayes gives the following
description of his genus, (translated) "shell turriculated, smooth,
polished, with the apex acute and laterally inclined; axis perforated
throughout its length; aperture small, entire, angular at the
extremities; columella simple and without folds; outer lip thin,
simple, nearly parallel with the longitudinal axis." That author
further remarks, "Mr. Sowerby, junr. à signalé cinque espèces vivant,
que nous rapportons à notre genre." (Sowerby, junr. Conchological
Illustrations, parts 52 and 53; 50, Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury.)
The species thus selected are E. splendidula, E. marmorata, E.
interrupta, E. imbricata, E. brunnea; the two last of which have the
umbilicus so inconsiderable, as to be scarcely distinguishable from
other species, which M. Deshayes has left in the genus Eulima, and
which have a slight hollow, almost approaching to a perforation, behind
the columella. Eulima marmorata, (Bonellia, Desh.) is figured in the
plates, fig. 348.
BODY WHORL. The last whorl, constituting the bulk of the shell.
BORELIS. Montf. MELONIA, Bl. A genus of microscopic Foraminifera.
BORER or PIERCER. A term applied to those species of Acephalopodous
Mollusca, which bore holes as dwellings in the rocks, as the Pholades,
and some others.
BRACHIOPODA. Lam. A family of symmetrical bivalves belonging to the
third section of Lamarck's _order_ "Conchifera Monomyaria," described
as bivalve (generally symmetrical) adhering to marine bodies, by a
tendon passing through the shell, having no true ligament. What most
distinguishes this family and renders it remarkable is the structure of
the animal. It has two elongated, tendril-shaped arms. When the animal
is in a state of repose these arms are coiled up spirally and enclosed
in the shell, but when required for use, are unfolded and extended.
This family contains the genera Orbicula, Terebratula and Lingula, in
the system of Lamarck, to which may be added Thecidium, Productus,
Spirifer, Magas, Pentamerus, Crania, Strigocephalus, Strophomena, and
some others enumerated in the explanation of figures 201 to 219. The
above genera may be thus distinguished.
1. ORBICULA. Umbones central; byssus passing through a hole in the
flat valve. Fig. 201.
2. ATRYPA. Without foramen or space between the valves. Fig. 203.
3. PRODUCTA. The same, valves produced, overwrapping; including
Leptæna. Fig. 206, 206*.
4. TEREBRATULA. Hinge of the upper valve produced beyond that of
the other, with a pit or foramen; including _Delthyris_, _Orthis_,
_Trigonosemus_, _Magas_, _Strophomena_. Fig. 202, 205, 207, 208,
209.
5. SPIRIFER. The same, with deep triangular area; spiral folds in
the interior; including _Trigonotreta_ and _Cyrtia_. Fig. 204, 214,
215.
6. THECIDIUM. Large valve attached; curved ridges in the inner
surface; two jutting points or teeth on the hinge. Fig. 216.
7. CRANIA. Attached by the surface of the valve; muscular
impressions four, forming a face. Fig. 197, _a_, b.
8. PYCNODONTA. Irregular; hinge with raised pointed teeth. Fig.
217, 218.
9. PENTAMERUS. Valves divided by septa; including _Gypidia_. Fig.
210 to 213.
10. LINGULA. Valves equal, gaping, with a peduncle. Fig. 219.
BRACHITOMA. Swainson. A genus composed of PLEUROTOMA strombiformis and
similar species, described as "sub-fusiform; resembling a small
Strombus or Fusus; spire and aperture of equal length; canal short;
outer lip slightly ascending, and forming a short canal; sinus very
small and nearly semicircular; inner lip thickened above. B.
Strombiformis, Sow. Man. fig. 381." Europe, East and West Indies,
China, &c.
BRANCHIFERA. Bl. The second family of the order Cervicobranchiata,
containing the following genera of symmetrical univalves:--Fissurella,
Emarginula, and Parmophorus.
BRISMÆUS. Leach. _Order._ Pedunculated Cirripedes. Lam.--_Descr._ Seven
plates, three pairs lateral, one dorsal; form cylindrically conical;
pedicle not described. _Hab._ Holes in corals. B. Rhophodius, fig.
38.--_Obs._ This minute shell most nearly resembles Pollicipes
Mitellus, fig. 37*, but the difference may be seen at once by comparing
the figures.
BRONTES. Montf. This generic name is given to such species of MUREX as
have a very long, closed canal; with a short spire, circular aperture,
and are destitute of spires and ramifications. Brontes (Murex)
Haustellum, fig. 390.
BUCARDIA. Schum. ISOCARDIA, Auct.
BUCCINUM. Linn. _Fam._ Purpurifera, Lam. Entomostomata, Bl.--_Descr._
Subovate or oblong, covered with an epidermis; spire turrited,
consisting of few whorls; aperture wide, subovate, terminating
anteriorly in a very short canal, reflected over the back; outer lip
simple, slightly reflected; inner lip spread over a portion of the body
whorl, terminating in a thick, smooth columella; operculum horny.
_Hab._ British Seas, Northern Ocean, and Coast of Africa. Most of the
fossil species occur in Crag, some in upper marine formation and London
clay.--_Obs._ There are considerable difficulties in keeping this genus
distinct from others nearly related to it, into which many of the
species run by imperceptible gradations. The genus _Nassa_ has been
separated on account of the little notch, which terminates the
columella. Some species of Terebra come so close upon the Buccina, that
it is difficult to say where one genus ends and the other begins. T.
Buccinoides, fig. 427. Buccinum Undatum, the common Whelk, fig. 421.
BUFO. Montf. A generic division of the species composing Ranella,
characterized as having the shell not umbilicated. _Ex._ R. ranina,
fig. 394. The above character is scarcely sufficient in some cases,
even as a specific distinction.
BULBUS. Humph. RAPELLA, Swainson. A genus formed for the reception of
PYRULA papyracea, Auct. (fig. 389), and similar species. RAPANUS,
Montf.
BULIMIMA. Montf. A genus of microscopic Foraminifera.
BULIMULUS. Leach. _Fam._ Colimacea, Lam. The author is unacquainted
with the characters by which the two or three species included in this
genus are to be distinguished from Bulinus. We have represented, fig.
283, Bulimulus trifasciatus, Leach, (Bulinus Guadaloupensis, Auct.)
This occurs in the same limestone which encloses the half fossilized
human remains from the Grand Terre of Guadaloup. Several species are
described by the Rev. L. Guilding in the Zoological Journal, namely,
the B. Undulatus, Antiguensis, and Proteus; but neither from the shells
themselves, nor from the figures of the animal, can we draw any
information as to the generic character; the difference alleged by Mr.
Swainson and Mr. Gray being a comparative thinness in the outer lip.
BULINUS. Brug. (Bulinus, Lam.) _Fam._ Colimacea, Lam. Limacinea,
Bl.--_Descr._ Oval or oblong, light, covered with a thin epidermis;
spire obtuse, variable in length and in the number of whorls, which are
generally few; aperture wide, oval, rounded anteriorly; outer lip
simple, usually reflected, joining the columella without a sinus; inner
lip reflected over part of the body-whorl. The Bulini are land shells,
found in many parts of the world.--_Obs._ The genus Bulinus can only be
distinguished from Helix by its oval form; it forms part of the genus
Helix of De Ferrusac, under the sub-generic designation of Cochlostyla.
It is known from Achatina by the absence of the notch at the point of
union between the inner and the outer lips. The young are produced from
eggs, which are as firm and opaque as those of birds. (See
Introduction.) Bulinus rosaceus, fig. 282. B. Guadaloupensis, fig. 283.
B. Lionetianus, fig. 284. B. lubricus, fig. 285. Many new species were
brought to this country by Mr. Cuming, and are represented in the
Conchological Illustrations, published by the Author at 50, Great
Russell Street, Bloomsbury, (in parts 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 30, 31, 34,
35, 137 to 146, 185, 186.) Species occur in Europe, West Indies,
Brazil, and South America generally. Some small species are British.
BULLA. Auct. _Fam._ "Bulléens," Lam. Akera, Bl.--_Descr._ Generally
thin, smooth, oval, oblong or cylindrical, more or less convolute;
spire short, depressed, or hidden by the last whorl; aperture long,
wide in front, gradually narrowing towards the spire; outer lip thin;
inner lip spread over a part of the last whorl.--_Obs._ The shells
composing this genus are very variable in form. The light horny species
with an elastic lip is called Akera, fig. 247. The more decidedly
convolute species with hidden spires are the Atys, Montf. B. Naucum,
fig. 250. B. Lignaria, fig. 251, is Scaphander of Leach. The light,
thin species, with extremely wide aperture, fig. 248, is Bullæa aperta,
Lam. The genus Bullinula of Dr. Beck, consists of those species which
have more produced spines, fig. 253. The Bullæ are marine, and inhabit
all climates. The fossil species occur in tertiary beds.
BULLÆA. Lam. BULLA aperta, Auct. fig. 248.
BULLÆANA. ("Bulléens, Lam.") A family belonging to the first section of
Lamarck's order, Gasteropoda, containing the genus Bulla. The genera
Bullæa, Akera, Aplustra, Atys, Scaphander, Bullinula, into which it has
been divided, may all be fairly included under the name BULLA.
BULLIA. Gray. A genus of shells partly resembling Buccinum, and Terebra
in general form, being more elongated than the former and more
ventricose than the latter. Mr. Gray remarks in the Synopsis of the
British Museum, page 114, that the Bulliæ resemble the Nassæ in most
characters, "but they have a very large, broad foot, and the hinder
part of the inner lip of the shell being extended beyond the mouth,
forms a raised enamelled band round the suture of the whorls, as is
also the case with the Ancillariæ and some Volutes." Bullia vittata,
fig. 427, is an example of the genus. The name Subula is given by De
Blainville to the other species of Terebra, so that if both these
genera were admitted, the old genus Terebra must be expunged.
BULLINULA. Beck. Species of BULLA, with produced conical spires, fig.
253.
BYSSOARCA. Sw. (_Byssus_ and _Arca_.) _Fam._ Arcacea, Lam. A genus of
bivalve shells, composed of the Arca _Noæ_, and several other species,
separated from the genus Arca on account of their shells being attached
by means of a byssus passing through an hiatus in the ventral margins.
B. _Noæ_, fig. 132. The species occur in Southern Europe, East and West
Indies, China; also, on the coasts of Great Britain.
BYSSOMYA. Cuvier. (_Byssus_ and _Mya_.) De Blainville states that
although the shell of this proposed genus resembles Saxicava, the
animal is sufficiently different to justify the separation.
BYSSUS. ([Greek: Bussos], _byssus_, ancient name for linen.) The
tendinous fibres by which some Bivalves are as it were anchored or
moored to sub-marine substances. A fine example of this is to be seen
in the Pinnæ which bear some resemblance to large Muscle Shells and
have an hiatus in the margins of the valves through which a bunch of
silken fibres passes. In the British Museum there is preserved a pair
of gloves which have been woven of these fibres. The Byssus is peculiar
to some bivalve shells such as Muscles, Hammer Oysters, Arca Noæ, &c.
CALCAR. Montf. (a spur.) A genus composed of TROCHUS STELLARIS, Lam.
and other depressed species of Trochus which are characterized by a
stellated keel round the angle of the last whorl; but not including T.
Imperialis, which is the genus Imperator, Montf. The difference
consists in the latter being umbilicated and the former not. T.
stellaris, fig. 358.
CALCAREOUS, (_calx_, lime.) A term applied to a shell or to its
operculum which is composed principally of lime or shelly matter, as is
usually the case, in distinction from one which is of an horny,
membranaceous texture. The greater number of shells are calcareous, but
it forms an important point of distinction with regard to the
operculum. The only difference between the genera Trochus and Turbo, as
at present established, depends upon the calcareous or shelly, and the
corneus or horny texture of the operculum.
CALCEOLA. _Fam._ Rudistes, Lam. and Bl.--_Descr._ Equilateral,
inequivalve, triangular; umbones separated by a large triangular disc
in the lower valve; cardinal margin straight, linear, dentated; lower
valve large, deep; upper valve flat, semi-orbicular, forming a kind of
operculum to the lower.--_Obs._ This singular shell, known only in a
fossil state, in the Palæozöic beds, is placed by Linnæus in the genus
Anomia. Lamarck places it among his Rudistes, but Mr. Sowerby in his
genera of Shells, states that it should be added to the family of
Brachiopoda. Fig. 194, 195. C. Sandalina.
CALLANTICA. Gray. POLLICIPES hispidus, Leach.
CALLIA. Gray? A genus described as having a peculiarly polished shell
like Pupina, but wanting the notch.
CALLISOSTOMA. Sw. A genus of shells separated from TROCHUS, and thus
described, "Imperforate; spire elevated, acute; aperture broader than
high, transversely ovate, hardly sinuated at the base, and slightly
oblique; shells always smooth, and often polished." C. zizyphina is
mentioned as an example.
CALLIRHOE. Montf. p. 362, vol. 2. Appears to be figured from the nut or
inner portion of a large Belemnite.
CALLISCAPHA. Gray? IRIDINA Nilotica, Sow. Zool. Journ. 1. pl. 2.
Separated from Iridina on account of the hinge margin being smooth.
CALLITHEA. Sw. A sub-genus of Mitræ, consisting of those species, which
like M. sanguisuga, have the "spire and aperture of nearly equal
length; internal channel nearly obsolete; shell with longitudinal
linear ribs, crossed by transverse striæ and bands; base contracted."
Swainson Mallac. Lard. Cyclop.
CALLOSITY. A term used in general zoology to express those hard horny
tumidities formed in the skin of some animals, (such as the Dromedary,
for instance) in those parts which are most frequently used. It is not
used in this sense by Conchologists, who apply it to those undefined
tumidities or bumps which appear on the inner surface and hinge of some
bivalve shells, and to the thickening over the umbilicus of Naticæ.
Glycimeris, fig. 67. Natica, fig. 327, 328.
CALPURNUS. Montf. OVULUM _verrucosum_, Auct. Distinguished by the small
circular tubercle at the back of each extremity of the shell. Fig. 441.
CALYPTRACEA. Lam. A family belonging to the first section of the order
Gasteropoda, Lam., the shells of which are described as always
external, covering the animal, and having no operculum. The genera
contained in this family may be thus distinguished.
1. CALYPTRÆA. Conical; apex central, septum spiral, cup-shaped, or
forked; including _Infundibulum_. Fig. 234 to 238.
2. CREPIDULA. Apex terminal; septum flat, reaching half across the
aperture. Fig. 239.
3. CAPULUS. Conical; apex obliquely curved, no septum. Fig. 240.
4. EMARGINULA. Apex curved backwards; a notch in the anterior
margin; including _Parmophorus_. Fig. 241, 242.
5. CEMORIA. A slit _near_ the apex. Fig. 244.
6. FISSURELLA. A slit _upon_ the apex. Fig. 245.
7. RIMULA. A slit near the margin. Fig. 243.
8. ANCYLUS. Apex curved sidewise. Fig. 246.
CALYPTRACEA. Bl. The second family of the order Scutibranchiata. Bl.
thus described: "Shell more or less conical, not spiral, or very
slightly so; aperture large and entire." The genera included in this
family are Crepidula, Calyptræa, Capulus, Hipponyx, and Notrêma.
CALYPTRÆA. Lam. _Fam._ Calyptracea, Lam. and Bl.--_Descr._ Conical,
patelliform, irregular, with an internal, lateral, salient plate or
septum, varying in form.--_Obs._ The internal appendage is in some
species cup-shaped, in some it juts out of the centre in a double
point; in others it is only a small flap; and in others a spiral disc.
These last, which are shaped like Trochus, are separated by De Montfort
under the appellation INFUNDIBULUM; TROCHATELLA, Sw. The Calyptræa may
be known from Crepidula by the septum, which in the latter is a flat
plate reaching half way across the cavity. Fig. 234, 5, 6.
CAMERINA. Brug. NUMMULITES, Auct.
CAMILLUS. Montf. A genus founded upon a minute spiral shell, with a
triangular aperture, turned over the back of the last whorl. It is
figured in Soldani's Testacea Microscopica.
CAMPULOTUS. Guettard. MAGILUS, Auct.
CANAL. A groove which characterizes some spiral univalves, where the
inner and outer lips unite at the front part of the aperture. This
canal is drawn out in some shells to a considerable length, in others
it is turned abruptly over the back. The family Canaliferæ, Lam. (fig.
372 to 401), are all provided with this canal.
CANALICULATED. Applied generally to any distinct groove or canal.
CANALIFERA. (_Canalifères_, Lam.) A family belonging to the order
Trachelipoda, Lam. nearly corresponding with the family Entomostomata
in De Blainville's system, and described as having a canal of greater
or less extent at the anterior part of the aperture. This canal is
sometimes straight, sometimes tortuous, and in some genera it is
recurved over the back of the shell. All the shells have an operculum,
and the thickness of the perfectly formed outer lip does not increase
with age. The Canalifera are characterized by having a canal, in
distinction from the Purpurifera, which have only a notch. This family
contains the following genera,
1. CERITHIUM. Club-shaped. Fig. 372.
2. POTAMIS. The same, fresh water. Fig. 377.
3. NERINEA. The same, with internal folds. Fig. 374.
4. TRIPHORA. Anterior and posterior canals closed so as to present
three openings. Fig. 375, 376.
5. TELESCOPIUM. Pyramidal, trochiform. Fig. 378.
6. PLEUROTOMA. A slit on the upper part of the outer lip; including
_Clavatula_. Fig. 379, 381.
7. TURBINELLA. Three horizontal folds on the columella. Fig. 382,
383.
8. SPIRILLUS. Spire papillary; one fold on the columella. Fig. 384.
9. CANCELLARIA. Three folds, and internal costæ. Fig. 385.
10. FASCIOLARIA. Oblique folds, the lowest the largest. Fig. 386.
11. FUSUS. Fusiform; no folds on the columella. Fig. 387.
12. PYRULA. Pear-shaped. Fig. 388 to 390.
13. STRUTHIOLARIA. Outer lip thickened; sinuated. Fig. 391.
14. RANELLA. Two rows of varices; a canal at each extremity of the
aperture. Fig. 393, 394.
15. MUREX. Three or more rows of varices; only one distinct canal.
Fig. 395, 396.