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
2.--Section of an Actinocrinus, (_Miller's Crinoideæ_, pl. ii.)
a. Proboscideal protrusion of the plate and integument.
b. Sections of the folded or closed arms.
3.--Arms of a Pentacrinite, on Lias-shale; _Lyme Regis_.
]
[Sidenote: ACTINOCRINUS. CYATHOCRINUS.]
Actinocrinus (_Nave Encrinite_). _Lign. 94, fig. 1, 2._ (_Wond._
p. 585. _Bd._ pl. xlvii.)--The column is formed of numerous round
ossicula, possesses side-arms, and is fixed by root-like processes.
The receptacle is of an irregular subspherical form, the arms passing
off at right angles like the spokes from the nave of a wheel; hence
the name. The base is composed of three plates which support five
hexagonals and one pentagonal, and on these are three other series;
from the upper margin of the last, five arms are given off. The
receptacle is closed by a dome-shaped tesselated covering (_Lign. 94,
fig. 2_), having on one side the opening for the mouth and vent. The
specimen, _fig. 1_, is a receptacle without a stem, and with but a few
joints of the arms; this is the usual state in which these fossils are
obtained. _Fig. 2_ is an _Actinocrinite_ in which part of the brim of
the receptacle and of the arms has been removed in front, leaving a
portion of the coalesced arms partially surrounding the proboscideal
plated integument that covers the upper part of the receptacle; the
figure is from Mr. Miller's work, and is introduced to illustrate the
structure of these crinoideans.[285]
[285] Miller's Crinoidea, _fig._ N. pp. 98-100.
The external surface of the plates of the receptacle in the
Actinocrinites, is generally covered with radiated markings and
ridges, so that detached plates have been mistaken for those of
Marsupites; see the restored figure of a Nave Encrinite, _Wond._ p.
654. In some species the receptacle is richly ornamented; but in the
specimen figured, _Lign. 94, fig. 1_, the surface has been defaced in
consequence of the fossil having been immersed in strong acid.
Cyathocrinus (_Cup-like Encrinite_). _Lign. 95_, and _Lign. 92, fig.
2_.--The column is formed of round, depressed, perforated joints,
articulating by radiated surfaces; pentagonal near the summit. The
receptacle is composed of five pieces, succeeded by two successive
series of five plates, with intervening plates, and supports five
bifurcating, radiated arms.
[Illustration: Lign. 95. Cyathocrinites planus; _nat._
_Mountain Limestone, Clevedon._]
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