The Mollusks

A Guide to Their Study, Collection, and Preservation

by C. F. Sturm, T. A. Pearce, and A. Valdes (eds.)

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URL: http://www.malacological.org/

Synopsis

This is the definitive guide to shell collecting, conservation, and legal aspects of issues relating to mollusk populations sponsored by The American Malacological Society. It should be of interest to both amateur and professional shell collectors. This volume explains all aspects of mollusk collecting, identification, habitat and conservation.

Mollusks have been important to humans since our earliest days. Initially, when humans were primarily interested in what they could eat or use, mollusks were important as food, ornaments, and materials for tools. Over the centuries, as human knowledge branched out and individuals started to study the world around them, mollusks were important subjects for learning how things worked. In this volume, the editors and contributors have brought together a broad range of topics within the field of malacology. It is our expectation that these topics will be of interest and use to amateur and professional malacologists.

The American Malacological Society (AMS), originally American Malacological Union, was founded in 1931 chiefly through the efforts of Norman W. Lermond, a New England farmer, utopian community founder, Socialist Party politician, and amateur naturalist. Lermond corresponded with amateur and professional malacologists throughout the country, gathering names of 192 persons interested in forming an organization. The first AMS meeting was held April 30 through May 2, 1931, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Today the AMS is a dynamic international society of individuals and organizations with an active interest in the study and conservation of mollusks. Professional and amateur malacologists, students, and people devoted to observing, photographing, and learning about mollusks belong to AMS. Continuing interests of the AMS include:
* Encouraging students in malacology
* Encouraging serious molluscan enthusiasts who often work with professional malacologists
* Supporting an annual meeting open to all who are interested in mollusks
* Conserving mollusks through the Conservation Committee, which monitors environmental and legal aspects of issues relating to molluscan populations.

Since 1931, the Society has published proceedings of its annual meeting. The proceedings of the 1941 meeting (published in 1942) were a series of articles on how to collect, clean, and preserve mollusks. This volume, The Mollusks: A Guide to Their Study, Collection, and Preservation, edited by C. F. Sturm, T. A. Pearce, and A. Valdés, is a descendent of that earlier work. Further information about the AMS and information on how to join can be found on the Internet at malacological.org.
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About The Author

C. F. Sturm, Research Associate, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh, PA
T. A. Pearce, Curator Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh, PA
A. Valdés, Curator Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History, Los Angeles, CA