bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quaternary colonization or Paleogene persistence?: historical biogeography of skates (Chondrichthyes: Rajidae) in the Antarctic ichthyofauna
Authors: Long Douglas J.
Published: July 2016

Seven endemic species of skates (Chondrichthyes: Rajidae) represent the only family of elasmobranchs currently known to live in Antarctic continental waters. Many previous authors believed skates colonized Antarctic waters from Patagonia during interglacial periods in the Quaternary. However, recent fossil material collected from the middle Eocene La Meseta Formation of Seymour Island, Antarctic Peninsula, indicates that they may have persisted in Antarctic waters since the Paleogene. Additionally, oceanographic barriers present in the Neogene and Quaternary would have prevented dispersal from southern continents to Antarctica. A revised dispersal scenario, based on skate fossils, biology, paleogeography, and present centers of skate diversity, suggests that skates evolved in the western Tethys and North Boreal seas of western Europe in the Late Cretaceous and early Paleogene and emigrated into Antarctica during the early to middle Eocene via a dispersal corridor along the continental margins of the western Atlantic Ocean. Skates probably populated the Pacific Basin by passing from this dispersal corridor through the Arctic Ocean. Vicariant events, such as opening of the Drake Passage, the development of the Circum-Antarctic Current, and formation of deep and wide basins around Antarctica in the late Paleogene, created barriers that isolated some species of skates in Antarctica and prevented movement of other species of skates into Antarctica from northern areas. Skates are the only group of fishes known to have survived the Oligocene cooling of Antarctica that killed or extirpated the Paleogene ichthyofauna; they persisted by a combination of cold-tolerance, generalized diet, and unspecialized bathymetric and habitat preferences.
The plankton and the benthos: origins and early history of an evolving relationship
Authors: Signor Philip W. , Vermeij Geerat J.
Published: July 2016

Modern marine plankton communities include a broad diversity of metazoans that are suspension-feeding or micropredatory as adults. Many benthic marine species have larval stages that reside, and often feed, in the plankton for brief to very long periods of time, and most marine benthic communities include large numbers of suspension-feeders. This has not always been the case. Cambrian benthic communities included relatively few suspension-feeders. Similarly, there were few metazoan clades represented in the plankton, either as adult suspension-feeders or as larvae. Review of the fossil record suggests that the diversification of the plankton and suspension-feeding marine animals began in the Late Cambrian and continued into the Ordovician. These changes were accompanied by, and probably influenced, concurrent major changes in the marine realm, including an increase in tiering within benthic communities, the replacement of the Cambrian fauna by the Paleozoic fauna, and a general taxonomic diversification. The ultimate cause of these changes is uncertain, but it appears likely that the plankton was and is a refuge from predation and bioturbation for adults and larvae alike. The expansion in plankton biomass thus provided increased ecological opportunities for suspension-feeders in the plankton and benthos.
Rates of evolution in the dentition of early Eocene Cantius: comparison of size and shape
Authors: Clyde William C. , Gingerich Philip D.
Published: July 2016

Cantius is an early Eocene adapid primate with an exceptionally well known fossil record. Measurements were recorded to describe the size and shape of upper and lower first molars collected from a measured stratigraphic section in the Clarks Fork Basin of Wyoming. Rates of change of size and shape are quantified by calculating evolutionary rates in standard deviation units per generation (haldanes). Temporal scaling of rates shows that change in size was generated by a significantly nonrandom directional process, while change in shape was generated by a significantly nonrandom stabilizing process. Size change in Cantius is interpreted to be the result of weak directional selection, and shape change is interpreted to be the result of strong stabilizing selection.
Evolution of the coral-zooxanthellae symbiosis during the Triassic: a geochemical approach
Authors: Stanley George D. , Swart Peter K.
Published: July 2016

Scleractinian corals first appeared during Triassic time in tropical shallow water environments. Controversy surrounds the paleoecology of scleractinian corals of the Late Triassic. Were they like their living counterparts, capable of supporting reefs, or had they not yet coevolved the important association with zooxanthellae that facilitated reef growth and construction? Indirect evidence suggests that some Upper Triassic corals from the Tethys played important constructional roles as reef builders within tropical carbonate complexes of the Tethys. To evaluate this idea, we have employed a geochemical approach based on isotope fractionation to ascertain if Late Triassic corals once possessed zooxanthellae.

We have determined evidence for the ancient presence of algal symbiosis in 13 species of Triassic scleratinians from reef complexes in Turkey and northern Italy. In contrast, two higher latitude Jurassic species used as a control group for isotope analysis, lacked isotopic indications of symbiosis. These findings, together with stratigraphic and paleoecologic criteria, support the contention that Late Triassic scleractinian corals inhabiting shallow-water carbonate complexes of the Tethys were predominantly zooxanthellate, like their living counterparts from present day reefs.

We view the zooxanthellate condition in calcifying reef organisms as a necessary prerequisite for constructional reef development. Our results emphasize the power of stable isotope studies in helping to answer paleobiological questions.
Peregrinella: an Early Cretaceous cold-seep-restricted brachiopod
Authors: Campbell Kathleen A. , Bottjer David J.
Published: July 2016

Brachiopods generally have not been considered to be typical or significant faunal components of modern or ancient hydrothermal vent and cold-seep settings. The Early Cretaceous (Neocomian) rhynchonellide brachiopodPeregrinellahas long been viewed as a paleontological curiosity because of its distinctive morphology, status as the largest Mesozoic brachiopod, anomalous stratigraphic associations, and widespread, yet discontinuous paleogeographic distribution. Examination of all worldwidePeregrinellaoccurrences (14) indicates restriction of this brachiopod to ancient cold-seeps. It is probable thatPeregrinellagrew to large sizes in such great abundances at fossil cold-seep sites because of a richly organic food supply generated by localized fluid seepage and bacterial chemosynthetic activity. Living brachiopods are not known to harbor chemosymbiotic bacteria in their tissues; however, direct chemoautotrophic utilization of reduced fluids byPeregrinellacannot be rejected or demonstrated at present.Peregrinellaoccurs at widely separated cold-seeps of Neocomian age (e.g., California, Mexico, Tibet, Europe), yet its mode of dispersal and larval development is unknown. In modern hydrothermal vents of the deep-sea, organism dispersal occurs along oceanic ridges, where benthic faunas display both planktotrophic and nonplanktotrophic larval-mode types.Peregrinellamay represent a Mesozoic relic of a long-lived “lineage” of vent-seep associated rhynchonellides from the Paleozoic (e.g., ?Eoperegrinella, Dzieduszyckia), but major gaps in the stratigraphic record between these rhynchonellide occurrences, and the lack of rigorous phylogenetic analysis for these groups preclude a clear resolution of the origin(s) of vent-seep brachiopods at present.
The Serrated Teeth of Tyrannosaurid Dinosaurs, and Biting Structures in Other Animals
Authors: Abler William L.
Published: July 2016

The function of serrated teeth is analyzed by experimental comparison with the action of artificially made steel blades. Serrated blades cut compliant materials with a grip-and-rip mechanism, whereas smooth, sharp blades cut by concentrating a large downward force on a tiny area.

Tyrannosaurid teeth from the Cretaceous Judith River Formation bear rows of serrations that have thick, rounded enamel caps, gripping slots between neighboring serrations, thick enamel bodies inside the teeth underneath the gripping slots, and a root beneath each serration. In contrast, the carnivorous dinosaurTroodonhas teeth with exposed pointed serrations, thin enamel, and possibly serration roots.

Serrations on the teeth ofTroodonand the fossil sharkCarcharodon,cut compliant materials in the same way as a serrated hacksaw blade. In contrast, the cutting action of tyrannosaurid teeth most closely resembles that of a dull smooth blade. The spaces between the serrations act as minute frictional vises that grip and hold meat fibers; chambers between neighboring serrations receive and retain small fragments of meat, and inevitably would have acted as havens where bacteria could be stored. These spaces may therefore have led to infections in wounds, analogous to those inflicted by the living Komodo dragon or ora. By analogy, the hunting and feeding behavior of tyrannosaurs may have resembled that of the ora.

Serrations and slots are widely distributed among cutting devices in the natural world, and many of these deserve further study. For example, the carnassial teeth of mammalian carnivores cut by a combination of static force at the cutting edge, a crushing or scissoring action at the advancing junction between upper and lower teeth, and by lateral gripping and compression in a slot, like that seen on a much smaller scale in tyrannosaurid serrations. Mammalian teeth operate well only when deployed with sophisticated control over jaw movement, however, and the fine neural control necessary to operate them may have formed the basis for the later development of intelligence in mammals.

Previously, being interested in mammals was largely a matter of being interested in teeth, whereas being interested in reptiles was largely a matter of being interested in everything but teeth. I suggest that the teeth of at least some reptiles are as rich in information as the teeth of any mammals.
The taphonomy of Maastrichtian inoceramids in the Basque region of France and Spain and the pattern of their decline and disappearance
Authors: MacLeod Kenneth G. , Orr William N.
Published: July 2016

After having been very abundant in the Early Maastrichtian Globotruncana gansseri zone, Inoceramus remains disappear from five stratigraphic sections in the Basque region of France and Spain in the lower Abathomphalus mayaroensis zone, ~2.5 m.y. before the Cretaceous–Tertiary boundary. Several lines of evidence demonstrate that these shell fragments are preserved in place and accurately record the pattern of the decline and disappearance of the group. The dominant taphonomic process seems to have been passive disaggregation of the shell as shell proteins decayed. The resulting shell fragments were dispersed only locally by burrowing organisms. Shell fragments decline in abundance over tens of meters of section and there are subtle differences between sections which suggests Inoceramus was eliminated by gradual changes in ecological conditions that affected the basin roughly simultaneously but with some geographic variability.
An evaluation of clade-shape statistics using simulations and extinct families of mammals
Authors: Uhen Mark D.
Published: July 2016

The use of clade-shape statistics, particularly center of gravity, on paraphyletic groups has been questioned since the introduction of these descriptive statistics. In addition, previous studies have found that early-arising groups of organisms are bottom-heavy in center of gravity relative to later-arising groups, leading to macroevolutionary hypotheses about the nature of diversification. Paraphyletic groups have been asserted to be inherently bottom-heavy because of preconceived ideas as to how paraphyletic group formation affects center of gravity. In turn, early-arising groups of organisms have been asserted to be bottom-heavy because they also tend to be paraphyletic, thus calling into question the biological significance of the bottom-heaviness of early-arising groups.

In this study, both computer simulations and the evolutionary history of families of mammals show that paraphyletic groups are inherently top-heavy. Simulated monophyletic clades and monophyletic families of mammals have centers of gravity near their expected positions at the midpoint of clade duration, while paraphyletic groups are significantly top-heavy.

Early-arising families of mammals are found to be inherently top-heavy, rather than bottom-heavy as found by earlier studies. This new result is likely to be due to the use of updated stratigraphic range data and different taxonomic assignments rather than to bias due to inclusion of paraphyletic groups or bias due to unequal time-unit lengths in the Cenozoic time scale.
Encrusting organisms on co-occurring disarticulated valves of two marine bivalves: comparison of living assemblages and skeletal residues
Authors: McKinney Frank K.
Published: July 2016

Study of the assemblage of encrusting organisms on co-occurring disarticulated valves of the bivalvesCrassostrea virginicaandMercenaria mercenariain Bogue Sound, North Carolina, indicates that there is little or no substrate specificity among the encrusting organisms but that the shape of the shells has an important influence on how extensively members of each higher taxon collectively inhabit the shells. Encrusting bryozoans, a dense low mat composed of many species from diverse phyla, and a unicellular film cover most of the area of both exterior and interior surfaces. The encrusting bryozoans most extensively cover both surfaces ofC. virginicabut are in second place behind the multispecies mat on exterior surfaces ofM. mercenariaand behind the unicellular film on its interior surfaces. These differences are inferred to result from different physical stability of valves of the two bivalve species, which exhibit different frequencies of circumrotatory growth.

Degradation of the assemblage by sodium hypochlorite, to simulate loss of organic matter during fossilization, results in the complete loss of encrusting sponges, erect hydrozoans, erect bryozoans, and ascidians. Loss of these taxa results in overexposure and more apparently uniform distribution of skeletal taxa with respect to their surface representation in living assemblages and also in complete loss of the higher tiers present in the living assemblage. However, indications of the original structural organization of the living assemblage is indicated by preservation of the most abundant taxa in the lower tiers and by the retention in the reduced treated assemblage of thepatternsof distribution that characterized the living assemblage.
Paleobiological and isotopic studies of eggshells from a declining dinosaur species
Authors: Erben H. K. , Hoefs J. , Wedepohl K. H.
Published: July 2016

Late Cretaceous dinosaur eggshells from southern France and the Spanish Pyrenees, presumably belonging to the sauropodHypselosaurus priscusMatheron, are almost exclusively composed of primary calcite. Besides normal development of these eggshells, there appear two kinds of pathologic tendencies: bi- or multi-shells (infrequent), and shells with a reduced thickness (increasing in frequency until, in the uppermost horizon, they represent more than 90% of the sample). The extinction of the species is attributed primarily to the consequences of thinning of the eggshells.

The physiological mechanisms producing pathologic dinosaur eggshells are evaluated in the light of homologous phenomena occurring in living birds and reptiles. On this basis, it is concluded that in the late Maastrichtian populations of“Hypselosaurus,”pathologic eggshells were caused by hormonal imbalances of the vasotocin and of the estrogen levels. On the same basis it is postulated that the teratological shell repetition led to embryo suffocation and that the pathological reduction in shell thickness caused shell breakage and dehydration of the embryo. The lethal results are evident from the frequent absence of “resorption craters” in the mammillary knobs of pathologic shells, a fact which indicates either lack of fertilization of the eggs or the perishing of the embryo prior to the calcification of its skeletal bones. A change in environmental conditions is the ultimate factor which caused hormonal imbalances and extinction. Such a change is indicated by a shift of the mean oxygen isotopic composition (δ18O) of eggshell carbonates from −0.6%oto −5.3%o, and by changes in Sr. Information of palaeo-climate is primarily derived from eggshells of living birds and reptiles. The correlation between temperature and oxygen isotopic composition of waters (and related carbonates) is less distinct than for marine carbonates. δ13C ranges from −16.5 to −4.5 of eggshells of extant species indicate food from “normal” C3metabolism and from C4metabolism of plants in a dry climate.“Hypselosaurus”populations probably consumed “normal” C3plants. Using isotopic calibration of eggshell carbonates for the interpretation of δ13C and δ18O values of dinosaur eggshells, a slight change from higher to lower temperatures or a change from a dry to a more humid climate during the time from Lower (and Middle) to Late Maastrichtian can be assumed. The latter explanation is favored because the exceptionally high Sr in the Early Maastrichtian eggshells could be a potential indicator of co-existing evaporites.
Graptolite synrhabdosomes: biological or taphonomic entities?
Authors: Gutiérrez-Marco Juan Carlos , Lenz Alfred C.
Published: July 2016

Synrhabdosomes, structures made of mostly radially arrayed graptolite rhabdosomes attached by distal regions of their virgulae, have been considered as biological entities by some in the past, but as taphonomic structures by others more recently. Our survey of at least 200 synrhabdosomes, more than 90 of which derive from one locality in northwestern Spain, shows that all synrhabdosomes are most probably entirely monospecific assemblages composed of a more or less finite number of rhabdosomes, all of which are consistently straight or only weakly curved, and all of which bear simple, or relatively simple, thecae. We conclude, therefore, that synrhabdosomes are biological entities, and we suggest that they formed infrequently as, perhaps, temporary structures to increase food-gathering efficiency during times of lower plankton supply in local, relatively restricted water masses.
J. John Sepkoski Jr. (1948–1999)
Authors: Raup David M.
Published: July 2016

With Jack Sepkoski's sudden death from heart failure on May 1, 1999, paleontology lost one of its most important figures. In his 25–year career, Jack published more than 70 research articles, 15 of them in this journal, and an equal number of reviews, commentaries, and abstracts. He co-edited Paleobiology (1983–86), received the Schuchert Award (1983), and served as President of the Paleontological Society (1995–96). In 1997, he was elected to the Polish Academy of Sciences and in the same year received the Medal of the University of Helsinki. Further recognition would surely have followed but for his untimely death.
Forging a future for fossil insects: thoughts on the First International Congress of Paleoentomology
Authors: Labandeira Conrad C. , Smith Dena M.
Published: July 2016

Insects are the most diverse macroorganismic group to ever inhabit the planet, constituting a major share of the animal biomass in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. Since their first appearance in the fossil record some 400 million years ago, they have expanded ecologically into almost every niche except the ocean below the photic zone. When fossilized, their chitinous exoskeletons typically are well preserved, as evidenced by a respectable fossil record. They are found notably in lacustrine shales and amber but also occur in siderite nodules, lithographic limestone, sinter deposits, asphalt, and various glacial deposits. Insect fossils are major subjects in phylogenetic studies but are used to a lesser extent in understanding past ecological associations and reconstruction of ancient environments.
Taking advantage of time-averaging
Authors: Olszewski Thomas
Published: July 2016

One of the major obstacles in dealing with any form of data derived from fossils is the effects of time-averaging, which are the result of mixing the remains of organisms that did not live contemporaneously. Although this process results in loss of temporal resolution, it also serves to filter out short-term variations. Temporal resolution of a collection depends not only on the range of fossil ages, but also on their frequency distribution. Previous studies of marine molluscs indicate that most shells in an accumulation are relatively young. Such a distribution of shell ages can be fit by an exponential curve (assuming both a constant probability of shell loss and a constant rate of shell addition), which implies that 90% of the shells were added during the last 50% of the time interval represented by the collection. That is to say, differences between two collections can be discerned even if they overlap 50% in time, because the proportion of shells with shared ages is only 10%. Applying the exponential model to previously published data suggests that long-term rates of destruction are controlled by how frequently shells from the taphonomically active zone are re-exposed to rapid destruction. To take advantage of the “noise-filtering” property of time-averaging, samples need to be large enough to catch the full range of environmental variation recorded by an accumulation. A simple probability formula indicates that samples of easily achievable size can give satisfactory time-averaged results depending on the level of confidence and sampling density defined by the researcher.
VII. Remarks on Governor Pownall's Conjecture concerning the Croyland Boundary Stone. By Mr. Pegge. In a Letter to the Rev. Dr. Milles
Authors: Pegge
Published: July 2016

It always gives me pleasure when I see gentlemen of known parts and learning reviewing any of our national antiquities, as one has a reasonable expectation of having them better illustrated; for though the modern antiquary may not perhaps be superior to his great predecessors in point of substantial literature, nor even equal them, yet he is possessed of some very singular advantages; he not'only stands upon their shoulders, but is sure to be divested of all local prejudice and personal partiality; he is not to be led away by every idle, perhaps legendary, story; nor will he pronounce hastily, without examining carefully and closely, by calling to his aid reason, experience, and probability; all which he will employ with liberality of sentiment, as well as with accuracy of description and expression.
VIII. Observations on Celts. By the Reverend Mr. Lort
Authors: Lort
Published: July 2016

I have the honor to exhibit to this Society a brass instrument lately found by digging in the ruins of Gleaston Castle, situated in The Lower Furness, in the county of Lancaster. Lord George Cavendish the elder, whose property it is, was so obliging as to put it into my hands, as a curiosity not unworthy the notice of this Society. It is about nine inches long, and half an inch thick in the middle; one end, formed like our common hatchet, with a sharp edge, is 5 inches broad; from this end it tapers on both sides, gradually, to the other end, which is not above if inch broad, and is formed also with a sharp edge. It is for the most part finely polished, and covered with a beautiful patina, except where it has been injured by rust. It weighs two pounds, five ounces. In some respects it is similar to those instruments, called Celts, which have been found in great numbers in various parts of this island, and figured and described by various authors. These, in general, have had one end sharp, as this has; but the other has been formed into a kind of groove, or socket, to fix a handle in; and some have a loop annexed to them; but this is destitute of every thing of that kind, and seems intended to have been held in the hand only for use, whatever that use might have been; for there can be no doubt, but that, if a handle of any kind had been necessary, the workmen who formed this, could as easily have formed it with one, or with a conveniency to fasten one to it. The learned antiquaries who have seen and considered these Celts, have differed much as to the uses for which they were designed.
XXXI. A Letter to the Secretary, on the Origin of the English Language. By the Rev. Mr. Drake
Authors: Drake
Published: July 2016

Though I admire Mr. Whitaker's knowledge, and look upon his late publication of Manchester as a very valuable acquisition to the literary world, yet, I confess, I cannot acquiesce in every assertion that is there advanced. In a chapter of that work that relates to the origin of the English language, he seems to insist, if I apprehend his meaning aright, that the English tongue was radically formed of Celtick or British materials, and derived little or no assistance from the Teutonick. This is a doctrine as new as it is strange, and seems to require more arguments in support of it than he has been pleased to give us. And yet he is so warm and determined in the certainty of this position, that he treats all others, that may unfortunately have adopted a different system, as rash and presumptuous, and destitute of every knowledge of antiquity.
IV. Dissertation on an ancient Cornelian. By the Reverend Mr. Hodgson
Authors: Hodgson
Published: July 2016

This figure is engraved from an ancient seal in the possession of John Lawson, esq. purchased abroad by his brother the late Dr. Issac Lawson, who received from a French Antiquary an attempt to explain it, which I beg leave to produce in the following translation.
VII. Account of some Roman Monuments found in Cumberland, 1766
Authors: R.G.
Published: July 2016

Mr. Senhouse, digging in the Roman station, on his estate here, 1766, made some very curious discoveries, which he communicated to the late bishop of Carlisle, the same year.
IX. Observations on the Mistakes of Mr. Lisle and Mr. Hearne, in respect of King Ælfred's present to the Cathedrals. The late Use of the Stylus, or metalline Pen. Mr. Wise's Conjecture concerning the famous Jewel of King Alfred, further pursued, shewing it might possibly be Part of the Stylus sent by that King, with Gregory's Pastoral, to the Monastery at Athelney. By Mr. Pegge
Authors: Pegge
Published: July 2016

The remark which I had the honour to make to your Lordship, that the late Mr. Hearne, when he liked his author, would follow him implicitly, without giving himself any trouble to examine into the truth of his assertion, I am now going to verify, by producing, what I think, a very palpable instance.
XVIII. Observations on Stone Hatchets. By Bishop Lyttelton
Authors: Lyttelton
Published: July 2016

The stone I have now the honour of laying before you for your inspection, was found some years ago, on ploughing some new enclosed pasture ground, near Spurnston, in the parish of St. Cuthbert, Carlisle, in a little hillock, or raised piece of ground, about four yards one way, and three the other, a little above a foot in height, consisting entirely of earth.
XXI. Description of an antient Font at Bridekirk, in Cumberland. By Bishop Lyttelton
Authors: Lyttelton
Published: July 2016

The drawings I now submit to your inspection, represent the different sides of the famous square font, or baptistery, at Bridekirk, in Cumberland, together with the Runic inscription on the south side of it.
XXIII. Remarks on the Time employed in Caesar's two Expeditions into Britain. By the Rev. Dr. Owen, of St. Olave's, Hart-Street. Communicated by the Hon. Daines Barrington
Authors: Owen
Published: July 2016

Caesar's expedition into Britain was made in the 5th year before Christ. He landed on the 26th of August in the Downs. He met, upon his landing, with a warm reception. “Pugnatum est ab utrisque acriter.” The ground was marshy, and full of deep ditches, which embarrassed the Romans: “impe-“ditos adoriebantur (Britanni). This battle was fought on the sea shore, and not far from it. Nothing more was done for four days, viz. till August 30 at night, which was the full moon, when the storm arose that wrecked the ships, which had carried Caesar's army. “Post diem 4. quam est in Britanniam ventum,—eâdem “nocte accidit, ut esset luna plena, &c.” This misfortune the Britons took advantage of—broke from their allegiance—stopped all provisions—and wisely endeavoured to protract the war, as knowing that the approaching winter would distress the Romans, and give them cause to repent their rashness. This Caesar suspected, and therefore provided against it as well as he could, by bringing in corn for his present supply—and refitting his ships for his future return. This took up at least a week, which brings it to the 7th of September.
XXVIII. The Construction of the old Wall at Verolam. The Roman Bricks compared with the Modern, &c. In a Letter to Bishop Lyttelton. By Mr. Webster
Authors: Webster
Published: July 2016

In this wall, which went nearly round the city, the Roman bricks are interlayed in separate courses between layers of flints. The quantity of mortar between the bricks is nearly equal to the thickness of the bricks themselves. Four layers were discernible; the lowest tier had four bricks, the next three, and the two uppermost had each of them two. The distances between the courses of bricks, which were filled up with flint and mortar, were two feet and eight inches. The bricks were an inch and an half, or an inch and a quarter thick; their lengths were 12 to 18 inches, viz. 12, 16, 17 and 18 inches. Having no authority to pull down the wall, their depth could not be measured.
XXXIV. Observations on some Tartarian Antiquities, described in the preceding Article. By John Reinhold Forster, F.A.S.
Authors: Forster John Reinhold
Published: July 2016

His Lordship the President having been pleased to desire me to give an account of some Tartarian Antiquities lately discovered in Siberia, and exhibited to the Society by Mr. Collinson; I thought myself happy in having the opportunity of acknowledging the honour the Society had done me, in electing me an honorary Member, and like wise of manifesting by this means, how desirous I am, not only to merit this honour, but also to discharge a part of my duty.
XXXIX. A View of the ancient Constitution of the English Parliament. By Francis Maseres, Esquire, of the Inner Temple
Authors: Maseres Francis
Published: July 2016

King William the Conqueror reserved in his own hands, or in those of his farmers, or tenants at will, or for short terms of years, a great part of the lands of England; the same, as it is said, that was in the hands of his predecessor Edward the Confessor, for the support of his royal dignity, and the ordinary expences of government. The rest of the lands of England he granted away to his Norman and French companions in very large quantities, dispossessing, for the most part, the former English possessors of them.
VII. On Lord BRUCE'S Horn. By the Reverend Dr. Milles, Dean of Exeter, and President of the Society of Antiquaries
Authors: Milles
Published: July 2016

This curious horn, or rather elephant's tush converted to the use of a horn, is the property of the Right Honourable Thomas Lord Bruce, who, with equal politeness and generosity, has favoured the Society with a sight of the original, and the public with a representation of it in the annexed copper plate.
X. On Shoeing of Horses amongst the Ancients. By the Reverend Mr. Pegge
Authors: Pegge
Published: July 2016

One of the poetical names for an horse in the classics is sonipes; a term taken from the clatter or sound of the feet in running, especially upon hard ground, whence Virgil says,

“Quadrupedante putrem sonitu quatit ungula campum.”
XX. An Inscription in honour of Serapis found at York illustrated by Mr. Pegge
Authors: Pegge
Published: July 2016

In August 1770, a stone was found in digging a cellar at York, at a place called the Friar's-Garden, one of the highest parts of the city. The workmen, in their progress, came to the foundation of an old building of Roman brick, the mortar or cement of which, was so hard as not to be penetrable by the Sharpest tools, the bricks breaking before the mortar. This part of the foundation was a segment of a circle: the remainder of it being under the adjoining house could not be traced out; there is reason, however, to apprehend, that the whole composed a rotunda. In digging the ground a little further, within the segment of the circle abovementioned, the men found a large gritstone, three feet long, two feet one inch broad, and eight inches thick.
XXI. Extracts from a MS. dated “apud Eltham, mense Jan. 22 Hen. VIII.” Communicated to the Society by Owen Salusbury Brereton, Esq
Authors: Brereton Owen Salusbury
Published: July 2016

This MS. is entitled, “Articles devised by his royal “highness, with advice of his council, for the esta “blishment of good order and reformation of sundry errors “and misuses in his houshold and chambers.”
XXII. Observations on the Parthian Epochas found on a Coin in the Imperial Cabinet at Vienna published by Father Erasmus Froelich, in his Elementa Numismatica, Tab. xiv. n. 6. By John Reinhold Forster, F.R. and A.S.
Authors: Forster John Reinhold
Published: July 2016

Several learned Antiquaries have attempted to ascertain the beginning of the Parthian Epocha, which so often occurs on the Parthian coins of a later date. The empire of the Arsacidae extended from the Indus to the Euphrates, and from the Caspian Sea to the Persian Gulph and the Indian Ocean; and their power often gave umbrage to the Romans, though sovereigns of all the known and civilized part of our globe. Their coins had a currency in a great part of Asia; and, as they frequently had Greek inscriptions sometimes with epocha's, it has been a subject of enquiry among the most skilful Antiquaries to explain these coins, and ascertain the Parthian Epocha. Vaillant, Longuerue, Bayer, Froelich, Pellerin, and Swinton, have among others applied themselves to this inquiry. As they have exhausted their extensive reading and learning in support of their respective opinions on this subject, it cannot be expected that any thing curious or new should be said by a later writer. All therefore that I can promise in this memoir, is a new argument in support of the opinion that the Epocha of the Arsacidae began in the year 256, before the Christian Epocha, or in the 498th year after the foundation of Rome.
XXXII. On the Descent of Titles of Honour, particularly Baronies, through the Female Line: Transcribed from a MS. of Mr. Sayntlowe Kniveton
Authors: Cauldwell Ralph
Published: July 2016

The papers inclosed herewith, partly law, and partly history, I have taken from an old (and I think authentic) MS. in my custody. What I have copied thereout seems to have been compiled to shew that dignities and titles of honour are constitutionally preserved and derived down in families by the female descendants, particularly baronies; about which in those times perhaps some questions were agitated. Claims of that kind are sometimes advanced in our days: I therefore send these sheets to our brethren of the Antiquary Society; and if they are thought proper memoirs to be read there, and give some amusement to the gentlemen, I shall be agreeably satisfied. The number of pedigrees I was induced to transcribe from what I have observed in the first volume of papers published by the Society, wherein the worthy President, Dr. Milles, has remonstrated against Mr. Walpole's relation in favour of Richard the Third, in which I think the pedigree of Tyrrell, supposed to be the principal agent in destroying the young princes, a striking proof of that fact; and that pedigrees are in many respects useful. At the beginning of the MS. volume is that paragraph which I have prefixed to these papers.
XXXIII. Description of the Carn Braich y Dinas, on the Summit of Pen-maen-mawr, in Caernarvonshire. By Governor Pownall
Authors: Pownall
Published: July 2016

In addition to the account which Mr. Camden has given of Pen-maen-mawr, Dr. Gibson has inserted in his edition of the Britannia, the following particulars: “On the top of Pen-maen-“mawr stands a lofty and impregnable hill; and here we find “the ruinous walls of an exceeding strong fortification, encom-“passed with a treble wall; and within each wall the foundation of “at least a hundred towers all round, and of equal bigness, and “about six yards diameter. It should seem says the account, “that there are lodgings within these walls for 20,000 men.” Dr. Gibson says indeed, “He had taken no description of this “himfelf; but gives the account as he receives it from a MS. “written in king Charles the 1st's time, by sir John Wyn of “Gwydir.”
XXXV. Remarks on the Abbey Church of Bury St. Edmund's in Suffolk. By Edward King, Esquire, in a Letter to the Reverend Mr. Norris, Secretary
Authors: King Edward
Published: July 2016

Having had an opportunity, the summer before last, of examining with accuracy the foundations of the Abbey Church at St. Edmund's Bury in Suffolk; and having found them to differ somewhat from the plan drawn by Mr. Essex for the late sir James Burroughs, and published at the end of Dr. Battely's Antiquities of Bury, though that plan is indeed in most respects exact, and very curious: I take the liberty to lay before the society a drawing, to shew the difference; and in order to render sir James Burroughs's plan the more compleat and useful. And I the rather venture to do this, because no subsequent account, that I know of, has as yet been given of these Ruins; and because the addition I have made does, moreover, render the plan perfectly consistent with the description given by William of Worcester, which otherwise cannot be understood; and serves to explain an apparent inconsistency in what he says, and to shew that his whole account is exact.
XXXVI. Remarks on the first Noble, coined 18 Edward III, A.D. 1334; wherein a new and more rational Interpretation is given of the Legend on the Reverse. By the Rev. Mr. Pegge
Authors: Pegge
Published: July 2016

King Edward III. may properly be esteemed the father of the gold specie of England, notwithstanding some singular appearances which precede his time; since gold has in a manner continued to be minted without interruption ever since his reign.
XXXIX. An Account of some antient Roman Inscriptions, lately discovered in the Provinces of Istria and Dalmatia; with Remarks. In a Letter to the Reverend Doctor Milles, Dean of Exeter, and President of the Society of Antiquaries, from John Strange, Esq.
Authors: Strange John
Published: July 2016

Since you was pleased to inform me, that the views of the Society of Antiquaries are not confined merely to English Antiquities, but wish to extend themselves also to the more entertaining, as well as edifying, subjects of Roman Antiquities in general; I avail myself of the present opportunity to communicate to you some acquisitions of that kind, which I made, not long since, from the provinces of Istria and Dalmatia. They were communicated to me by the Abbé Fortis, of Padua, an ingenious and celebrated Italian Naturalist, whom I recommended, some time ago, to make the tour of those provinces with a learned friend of mine, and who, in return, very obligingly favoured me with an account of his itinerary, in a series of entertaining and instructive letters, which are now before me. His favourite pursuit was Natural History; but he did not intirely neglect Antiquities. I shall therefore briefly extract from his letters such observations of that kind as appear to me mostly to merit attention. These respect principally some antient Roman inscriptions, which occasionally fell in his way, and which I do not find in other writers, at least among the more classical collectors, as Gruter, Fabretti, Muratori, &c. To these I shall add such pertinent remarks as occur to me upon the subjects of these inscriptions.
XL. Further Observations on Pen-maen-mawr. By Governor Pownall. In a Letter to Mr. Gough
Authors: Pownall
Published: July 2016

In the account which I gave to the Society of the Mount of Pen-maen-mawr, called Bre-y-Dinas, I said that the publick might expect a more particular account from Mr. Pennant, who had gone twice over it, and did intend to have an actual survey made of it.
V. An account of a remarkable Monument, in Penrith Church Yard, Cumberland. By Dr. Lyttelton, then Dean of Exeter
Authors: Lyttelton
Published: July 2016

In a tour I made the last summer, over part of the north of England, I met with a remarkable Monument in Penrith Church-yard, in Cumberland, an elevation of which I now do myself the pleasure of laying before you, it having never been yet engraved, or, indeed accurately described by any author. It is called the Giants Grave; and we have the following account of it in Bishop Gibson's edition of the Britannia (Vol. II. p. 1020) communicated to him (as I was informed) by Dr. Todd, of Carlisle.
VII. Account of some Roman Monuments found in Cumberland, 1766
Authors: G. R.
Published: July 2016

Mr. Senhouse, digging in the Roman station, on his estate here, 1766, made some very curious discoveries, which he communicated to the late bishop of Carlisle, the same year.
IX. Observations on the Mistakes of Mr. Lisle and Mr. Hearne, in respect of King Ælfred's present to the Cathedrals. The late Use of the Stylus, or metalline Pen. Mr. Wise's Conjecture concerning the famous Jewel of King Alfred, further pursued, shewing it might possibly be part of the Stylus sent by that King, with Gregory's Pastoral, to the Monastery at Athelney. By Mr. Pegge
Authors: Pegge
Published: July 2016

The remark which I had the honour to make to your Lordship, that the late Mr. Hearne, when he liked his author, would follow him implicitly, without giving himself any trouble to examine into the truth of his assertion, I am now going to verify, by producing, what I think, a very palpable instance.
XIII. The Bull-running, at Tutbury, in Staffordshire, considered. By the Reverend Mr. Pegge
Authors: Pegge
Published: July 2016

I know of nothing that affords the inquisitive mind of man so much pleasure, as the developing the original of antient and obscure customs; and if it happens that former conjectures have miscarried, and mens opinions concerning them have been thereby misled, the satisfaction will then be double, because, at the same time that you establish a truth, you are routing and convicting an error.
XVI. Observations on Dr. Percy's account of Minstrels among the Saxons.By Mr. Pegge
Authors: Pegge
Published: July 2016

Dr. Percy, in that part of the Essay on the Ancient English Minstrels, prefixed to his Reliques of Antient English Poetry, which concerns the state and condition of these people in the Saxon times, previous to the Norman conquest, has given us, in my opinion, a false, or at best an ill-grounded idea of their rank and condition within that period. This imaginary notion, for such I take it to be, I propose to discuss in the shortest manner I can.
XXI. Description of an antient Font at Bridekirk, in Cumberland.By Bishop Lyttelton
Authors: Lyttelton
Published: July 2016

The drawings I now submit to your inspection, represent the different sides of the famous square font, or baptistery, at Bridekirk, in Cumberland, together with the Runic inscription on the south side of it.
XXIII. Remarks on the Time employed in Caesar's two Expeditions into Britain. By the Rev. Dr. Owen, of St. Olave's, Hart Street. Communicated by the Hon. Daines Barrington
Authors: Owen H.
Published: July 2016

Caesar's expedition into Britain was made in the 5th year before Christ. He landed on the 26th of August in the Downs. He met, upon his landing, with a warm reception. “Pugnatum est ab utrisque acriter.” The ground was marshy, and full of deep ditches, which embarrassed the Romans: “impeditos adoriebantur (Britanni).” This battle was fought on the sea shore, and not far from it. Nothing more was done for four days, viz. till August 30 at night, which was the full moon, when the storm arose that wrecked the ships, which had carried Caesar's army. “Post diem 4. quam est in “Britanniam ventum,—eâdem nocte accidit, ut esset luna plena, “&c.”
XXIV. The Draught of a Proclamation in the Year 1563, relating to Persons making Portraits of Queen Elizabeth. From the Original in the Paper Office, in the Hand-writing of Secretary Cecil, with his Corrections, and among his Papers: Communicated by Sir Joseph Ayloffe, Bart.
Authors: Ayloffe Joseph
Published: July 2016

Forasmuch as thrugh the natural desire that all sorts of subjects and people, both noble and mean, have to procure the portrait and picture of the Queen's Majestie, great nomber of Paynters, and some Printers and gravers, have alredy, and doe dayly attempt to make in divers manners portraietures of hir Majestie in paynting, graving, and prynting, wherein is evidently shewn that hytherto none hath sufficiently expressed the naturall representation of hir Majesties person, favor, or grace, but for the most part have also erred therein, as thereof dayly complaints are made amongst hir Majesties loving subjects, in so much that for redress hereof hir Majestie hath lately bene so instantly and so importunately sued unto by the Lords of hir Consell and others of hir nobility, in respect of the great disorder herein used, not only to be content that some speciall coning payntor might be permitted by access to hir Majestie to take the natural representation of hir Majestie whereof she hath bene allwise of her own right disposition very unwillyng, but also to prohibit all manner of other persons to draw, paynt, grave, or pourtrayet hir Majesties personage or visage for a time, untill by some perfect patron and example the same may be by others followed.
XXVIII. The Construction of the old Wall at Verolam. The Roman Bricks compared with the Modern, &c. In a Letter to Bishop Lyttelton. By Mr. Webster
Authors: Webster
Published: July 2016

In this wall, which went nearly round the city, the Roman bricks are interlayed in separate courses between layers of flints. The quantity of mortar between the bricks is nearly equal to the thickness of the bricks themselves. Four layers were discernible; the lowest tier had four bricks, the next three, and the two uppermost had each of them two. The distances between the courses of bricks, which were filled up with flint and mortar, were two feet and eight inches. The bricks were an inch and an half, or an inch and a quarter thick; their lengths were from 12 to 18 inches, viz. 12, 16, 17 and 18 inches. Having no authority to pull down the wall, their depth could not be measured.
XXXIII. Some Account of certain Tartarian Antiquities. In a Letter from Paul Demidoff, Esquire, at Petersburg, to Mr. Peter Collinson, dated September 17, 1764
Authors: Demidoff Paul
Published: July 2016

The Russians, in effecting a practicable road to China, discovered in Latitude 50 north, between the rivers Irtish and Obalet, a desert of a very considerable extent, overspread in many parts with Tumuli, or Barrows. This desert constitutes the southern boundary of Siberia.
VI. Explanation of an antique Bacchanalian Cup, by the Rev. Stephen Weston, B.D. F.R.S. and F.A.S. In a Letter to the Marquis Townshend of Raynham, and Earl of Leicester, President
Authors: Weston Stephen
Published: July 2016

I exhibit to your Lordship, and the Society, an antique Bacchanalian Cup, with figures in relief on it, which I will endeavour to explain.

The figures on this circular Cup of glazed pottery (Pl. X.) represent the constant flux and reflux of animated beings, arriving and departing, advancing and retiring, originating from water, and refreshed by wine.