Hans Meinhardt / Hardcover, 204 pages / Published 1995
List: $49.95
Dimensions (in inches): 11.19 x 8.63 x .79 / Contains computer
disk.
ISBN: 0387578420 see review
below
R. Tucker Abbott / Paperback / Published 1990
List: $4.50 / Our Price: $3.60
Dimensions (in inches): 12.09 x 9.06 x .15
includes: Conus abbas; Conus marmoreus; Conus
bengalensis and Conus aulicus
ISBN: 0486262839 ; see review
below or Return to top.
Reviews
and Commentary for : Rockel, D., Korn, W. and Kohn, A. (1995)
Manual of the Living Conidae, Vol. 1., IndopacificISBN 3-925919-09-0 518 pp., 84 colour plates, 170
figs. and maps, hardcover, size 24x32 cm. Verlag Christa Hemmen.
DM 198.- Some 316 species and their subspecies and forms are covered
in this volume by three world authorities on this family. With
photographs of living animals, SEM photographs of radulae and
protoconchs and information on biology this is really the most
important work on this family. 518 p., 84 colour plates, hard
cover AUD$190. This and other shell books are available from Patty
Jansen at Capricornica Publications Return to booklist
Synopsis: Mathematical models and advanced computer-generated
images are used to explain and illustrate structural growth patterns
of seashells in nature. This fascinating and beautifully illustrated
book conveys the intuitive appeal and the "touch of magic"
that accompany the current research. A diskette, packaged with
the book, contains the algorithms and simulations necessary to
replicate the results. 150 illustrations.
Card catalog description : Trying to understand the
growth and development of multicellular organisms has been one
of the most intriguing subjects of research for centuries. More
recently, with the help of mathematical models and computer simulations,
scientists have discovered algorithmic patterns and models that
seem to describe the dynamic processes in which organisms grow,
reproduce, and respond to external factors. In this book, Hans
Meinhardt uses seashells to explain and illustrate structure growth
patterns in nature. The result is a fascinating, beautifully illustrated
book that conveys the intuitive appeal and the "touch of
magic" accompanying this research. A diskette, packaged with
the book, contains the algorithms and simulations necessary to
replicate the results.
Table of Contents
1. Shell patterns as dynamic systems
2. Pattern formation
3. Oscillations and travelling waves
4. Superposition of stable and periodic patterns
5. Meshwork of oblique lines and staggered dots
6. Branch initiation by global control
7. The big problem: two or more time-dependent patterns
Here's an inexpensive postcard collection that will instantly
appeal to anyone who has ever walked an ocean beach and marveled
at the infinite variety, detail and sheer beauty of seashells.
Comprised of some of the world's most beautiful shells, this
collection of 24 full-color photographs includes the following
cones: Conus abbas; Conus marmoreus; Conus bengalensis
and Conus aulicus (the Princely Cone).
Cone shells are one of the most popular families among shell-collectors,
and the Abbas Cone (Conus abbas Hwass) is among
the much-sought-after species coming from the Indian and southwest
Pacific Oceans. About 20 species belong to the so-called tent
cones, but the 21/2" Abbas Cone is among the smallest and
most attractive. Some tropical Pacific species are venomous and
are capable of stinging and eating small fish. Several human deaths
have been caused by cone stings, but there have been no fatalities
reported from the Atlantic cone species.
Even in the popular and well-known family of cones there are
unexpected discoveries being made. Not until 1967 was the rare
Bengal Cone (Conus bengalensis [Okutani]) found
and described. Shrimp and lobster trawlers working off the coast
of Bengal and Thailand brought up several dozens of this hitherto
unknown species. A member of the textile tent cone group, this
4" long species is closely related to the equally uncommon
Glory-of-the-Seas Cone from the Philippines.
Known since the earliest European explorers sailed to the
Indian Ocean, the handsome Marble Cone (Conus marmoreus
Linnaeus) was a favorite souvenir brought home to England and
Holland. In 1650 Rembrandt made an etching of this species , evidently
the only shell he ever drew. In life, this common, reef-dwelling
cone is covered with a thin layer of "epidermis" referred
to as the periostracum. In some species of cones the periostracum
is so thick that it obliterates the color of the shell. The growth
series shown in this card, from 1" to 3", is from the
Philippines.
There are over 600 kinds of cone shells, nearly all of which
live in warm tropical waters. They are among the most popular
of seashells with serious collectors, who may pay several hundred
dollars for rare specimens. Five species, all from the southwest
Pacific, have a venomous sting that is fatal to small fish upon
which they feed. Several human deaths from cone stings have been
recorded. Among the most poisonous are the tent cones, like this
4" Princely Cone (Conus aulicus Linnaeus) from
Guam Island in the western Pacific.
Also included are the beautiful Chambered Nautilus; the brilliantly
colored, spine-bearing Pendant Murex; the brightly banded Colorful
Queen Miter; the knobby-ribbed Lion's Paw Scallop; the Pacific
Thorny Oyster, a beautiful spiny bivalve; the Venus Comb Murex,
resembling the skeleton of a fish; the majestically shaped Vexillate
Volute; and 13 others.
Each shell has been painstakingly photographed to capture its
special beauty and distinguishing features. In addition, captions
identify the shells and where they are found. R. Tucker Abbott,
then Director of The Shell Museum and Educational Foundation in
Florida, Has provided an informative Introduction and detailed
notes.
Simply detach and mail these lovely coards to delight a friend
or relative with a glimpse of timeless beauty from the sea.
Original (1990) co-publication of Dover and The Shell Museum and
Educational Foundation. 24 full-color cards. Introduction. Captions.
Notes. 16pp. 9 x 12. Paperbound. ISBN 0-486-26283-9 $4.50 in USA.
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CONE SHELL BOOKS : (for sale)
