The Medals of Creation, Volumes 1 and 2: First Lessons in Geology and the Study of Organic RemainsMantell, Gideon Algernon
Science
The Medals of Creation, Volumes 1 and 2: First Lessons in Geology and the Study of Organic Remains
Mantell, Gideon Algernon
Geology -- England -- Guidebooks; Paleontology
10.--Cyathocrinus tuberculatus. (_Sil. Syst._)
11.--Receptacle of Bourqueticrinus; _from the Chalk. Lewes._
]
The _receptacle_ which contained the viscera is extremely diversified
in form, and in the number, shape, and arrangement of its plates: the
annexed figure 2, _Lign. 92_, illustrates the several pieces that enter
into its composition. The genera, or sub-genera, are based on the
modifications of shape and structure of the receptacle; and their names
are composed of the termination _crinus_, or _crinites_ (signifying
stone-lily), with a term prefixed expressive of the generic character:
thus we have _Apiocrinus_, or _Apiocrinites_, Pear Encrinite.[270]
[270] The termination _crinus_ is now generally employed, instead of
_crinites_; the latter is preferable, as it indicates the fossil nature
of the specimens. A more expressive name than _Encrinite_ was suggested
by Mr. Martin, of Derbyshire; that of _Stylastritæ_ or Column-Stars.
The receptacle being round and inflated, and composed of pieces
articulated with the stems, and supporting the arms by similar
articulations, are the generic characters of _Apiocrinites_ of
Miller. When round but not inflated--_Encrinus_, when pentagonal,
_Pentacrinus_. When the receptacle is composed of angular plates united
at the edges and forming several series or stages, it constitutes the
basis of the following genera: viz,--
_Platycrinus_; two series, the one of three, the other of five plates.
_Pateriocrinus_; three series each of five plates.
_Cyathocrinus_; three series of five plates, the last with five
intercalated pieces.
_Actinocrinus_; several series of plates: the first composed of three,
the second of five, and the others of many pieces.
_Rhodocrinus_; several series of plates that are covered externally
with radiated ridges. The first course consists of three, the second
of five, the third of ten, and the others of many plates.
_Eugeniacrinus_; of five pieces united into one receptacle.
This brief explanation will enable the student to comprehend the
nature of the almost infinite variety of figure and ornament which the
fossil crinoidea present, and the principles of nomenclature generally
adopted by modern authors. To attempt an enumeration even of the genera
would be inadmissible in these volumes. The late Mr. Miller's "Natural
History of the Crinoidea or Lily-shaped Animals,"[271] will afford the
student satisfactory information on this class of organic remains.[272]
[271] Published in 1 vol. 4to. 1821, with coloured plates.
[272] A beautiful "Monograph on the Recent and Fossil Crinoidea," by
Messrs. Austin, in 4to. is in course of publication, of which but eight
numbers have appeared.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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