Published Resources Details
Book
- Title
- Australian shells, with related animals living in the sea, freshwater and on the land
- Imprint
- Georgian House, Melbourne, 1950, 470 pp
- Description
A 2nd edition was published in 1959.
- Abstract
This is the first comprehensive, fully illustrated, popular book on Australian shells, and covers the more frequently encountered forms from the whole of Australia, from the sea, the fresh water, and on the land. The author tells the story of Australian shells, their structure, ecology, habits, distribution, uses, collection, and classification, not only to aid the beginner and the advanced student, but also to kindle an interest in those looking for a healthy, absorbing hobby, for modern psychiatrists are of the opinion that their collection and study are valuable forms of occupational therapy and also helpful in some forms of psychotherapy.
The author is Curator of Shells in The Australian Museum, Sydney, and the book is based on her own experiences; on observation of explorers, collectors, and world-famed authorities on conchology and biology from very early times to the present day; and extensively on queries answered and collections classified over a number of years as a Museum Conchologist.
The 12 colour plates illustrate 165 species, 32 half-tone plates illustrate 291 species, and 112 text figures illustrate 784 species, apart from maps and diagrammatic, structural figures, making a total of 1,240 species illustrated. Popular as well as scientific names are used throughout the book; the nomenclature is that followed by modern workers; there is a detailed glossary which will assist in the elucidation of descriptions, and a copious index.