[mod. f. Gr. κογχο- comb. form of κόγχη shell: see -LOGY.] The science or study of shells and shell-fish.
This term, which came into use when the mollusca were studied almost exclusively in reference to their shells, is now left chiefly to collectors of the latter.
1776. Da Costa, Conchol., 2. This peculiar branch of the History of Nature I shall call Conchology.
1851. Richardson, Geol., iv. 66. An extensive and well-rounded acquaintance with conchology.
1862. Athenæum, 30 Aug., 280. Familiar with … fossil conchology.
1878. Smiles, Robt. Dick, v. 41. His walks … awakened in him a taste for conchology.
1898. Margherita A. Hamm, Manila & the Philippines, 147–8. Here also are the golden cowries, the rose cowries, the pearl cowries, the gray cowries, and the other beautiful styles so loved by all students of conchology.
