Molluscan interests

As well as actually studying molluscs themselves, many enthusiasts often develop interests in other aspects. The following list of categories provides an overview of some of these additional areas of interest:

Books - there are a vast array of books that have been published on molluscs including guides to identification, studies on their biology / ecology and a variety of other aspects of their study. The Society has reviewed many of these works and provides advice on recommended reading.
History - the study of molluscs dates back to pre-historic times (when the interest was obviously much more on food) with a great deal of pioneering work carried out through the Victorian period. Much of this has been reviewed and documented by the Society, including biographies of many of the most significant figures.
Fossils - the hard nature of shells means a rich record of molluscs has been preserved in rocks which has allowed real insights into how the group has evolved.
Poetry / prose - references to molluscs have regularly occurred in a range of  poetry and prose including, for example, nursery rhymes.
Arts and crafts - many molluscs are visually appealing and as a result have been extensively used in a variety of arts and crafts. This includes areas such as money, stamps and jewellery.
Cooking - molluscs have been a source of food for millennia and collecting and cooking them remains a popular activity now
Captivity - keeping molluscs in captivity either for study or simply as pets