Thesaurus Conchyliorum or monographs of genera of shells. Monograph of the genus Natica by G. B. Sowerby. London, 1883. Reprint 1984 with an analytical check list of Sowerby's species.

Submitted by Steve Wilkinson on
Reference

R. Michael Dixon. 29 pp. 9 coloured plates. L. P. Burnay, Lisbon.

Review source

Originally reviewed by T Pain in 1985.

Published in Journal of Conchology (1985), Vol.32

This reprint consists of a folder containing a complete reproduction of Sowerby's original text and 9 loose plates in a pocket at the back. The check list is not bound up with the text, which makes it much easier to use.

The publisher is to be congratulated on the beautiful reproductions of Sowerby's original plates, which are in every respect satisfactory. This reprint makes available to all interested an important contribution to the study of the Naticidae since few could aspire to own a copy of the now rare and very costly Thesaurus.

Its value is greatly enhanced by the addition of an analytical check list of Sowerby's species by one of the worlds leading authorities on the Naticidae, R. Michael Dixon. In this the present taxonomic status of each of the 144 species illustrated is given, making it of real practical use to anyone working on this family.

This publication is undoubtably a must for anyone working on this neglected but fascinating family of marine gastropods and one can only echo the hope expressed by Michael Dixon in his introduction, that the plates will stimulate a wider popular interest in these beautiful, underrated and little studied shells.

Copies can be ordered direct from the publisher Mr. L. P. Burnay. Apartado 1013, 1001 Lisboa, Portugal.