[2591] “Pectines in mari;” literally, “sea-combs.” The French still call them by a similar name, “peignes.” They are known also in France as “coquilles de St. Jaques,” or St. James’s shells; probably, because worn by pilgrims who had visited the shrine of St. Jago, at Compostella. Indeed, the scallop shell was a favourite emblem with the palmers and pilgrims of the middle ages, who were in the habit of wearing it on their return in the hat.
[2592] He Latinizes the Greek name, calling it “unguis”—“a nail;” and, according to Varro, they were so called from their resemblance to the human nail. Pliny mentions them again in c. 87 of this Book, and in B. xxxii. c. 53, where he states that they are also called “dactyli,” or “fingers.” Cuvier says, that under this name are meant the pholades, a bivalve shell-fish, which give forth a very brilliant light.
[2593] Univalves, with a thick spinous shell.
[2594] The flat shell-fish, for instance, according to Cuvier, of the genus patella, or lepas.
[2595] Other fish of the genus patella, only more concave; the haliotes, for instance.
[2596] Forming a prolonged cone, Cuvier says, like the cerites.
[2597] The mouth of which is shaped like a crescent; such as the helices, Cuvier says.
[2598] The nerites, Cuvier says, which are cut into two hemispheres.
[2599] Such as many of the whelks, Cuvier says.
[2600] The whelks that have the edge turned inwards, so that one lip appears to fold under the other.