International Encyclopaedia of Reptiles (2-Volume Set)

About this book

Language: English

In the present work the author has aimed to give in a popular manner a general survey of the reptiles of the world. While the manner aims to be popular, and while the purpose has been to make International Encyclopaedia of Reptiles interesting reading, it is at the same time everywhere in accord with the latest results of the scientific study of the subject; and the student may find scattered through the volume new information drawn from the author's long and systematic observation of the various orders of reptiles, their habits, etc. – a course pursued both among the homes and haunts of these creatures in many parts of the world, and in the Zoological Parks.

The method here has been to select representative types, treating them according to their importance as to anatomical characteristics and habits. The author has prepared detailed charts showing the classification and approximate number of species among all the genera of reptiles found in all parts of the world.

The illustrations included in International Encyclopaedia of Reptiles make it of high value, and indeed unique among books on the same subject. They are not merely pictures "snapped" at the most convenient moment, but life studies from poses displaying distinguishing characteristics. The results exceed in value the familiar pen drawings of reptiles ordinarily employed in popular works. The several hundred illustrations are the result of his personal endeavors. A number of the specimens photographed have been exhibited in the Reptile House of the New York Zoological Park.

Contents

Vol 1: Reptiles of the World

1. The order chelonia - turtles and tortoises
2. The order crocodiles - crocodiles and alligators
3. The order lacertilia - the lizards
4. The order ophidia - the snakes
 

Vol 2: The Osteology of the Reptiles

Part I: The Skeleton of Reptiles
Introduction. The primitive skeleton of reptiles
1. The skull of reptiles
2. The vertebrae
3. The rise and sternum
4. The pectoral and pelvic girdles
5. The limbs

Part II: The classification and range of reptiles
6. The problem of classification
7. A synoptic classification of the reptilia
8. Subclass anapsida
9. Subclass synapsida
10. Subclass synaptosauria
11. Subclass pakapsida
12. Subclass diapsida

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