On the Supposed Legs of the Trilobite, Asaphus platycephalus*

Abstract

AT the request of Mr. E. Billings, of Montreal, I have recently examined the specimen of Asaphus platycephalus belonging to the Canadian Geological Museum, which has been supposed to show remains of legs. Mr. Billing, while he has suspected the organs to be legs so far as to publish on the subject,† has done so with reserve, saying, in his paper, “that the first and all-important point to be decided, is whether or not the forms exhibited on its under side were truly what they appeared to be, locomotive organs.” On account of his doubts, the specimen was submitted by him during the past year to the Geological Society of London; and for the same reason, notwithstanding the corroboration there received, be offered to place the specimen in my hands for examination and report.