IX.—On the Structure of the British Nemerteans, and some New British Annelids

Abstract

The anatomy of the soft worms variously arranged under the Nemertean Order has, even in recent times, not been carried out with that completeness necessary for their thorough elucidation, a state of matters partly due to the confounding of the structure of one family with another, and predicating of the series what investigation has but proved in one group. Few British comparative anatomists have paid much attention to these animals; indeed, Dr George Johnston, Mr Harry Goodsir and Dr Thomas Williams, are the only three who have left researches of any moment on the subject. The observations of the first-mentioned naturalist were made many years ago, with the aid of inferior instruments, and, though conscientious enough, are very meagre and unsatisfactory; and those of Dr Williams, while also showing the defects just noted, bear evident traces of imagination. Mr H. Goodsir's interpretation of structures was, from his limited observations, likewise very erroneous. On the Continent, again, the investigators have been more numerous, and a long list of distinguished names attest the interest which the subject has received at their hands.