In 1969, S. Peter Dance (pictured left during a July, 2001 visit to Jacksonville) published his book "Rare Shells" in which he illustrated and discussed fifty shells which had an interesting and often exciting history. At one time during the past, each of those species was considered "rare" and virtually unobtainable no matter what assets that one had available. While many of the species are now common and easily obtainable for a pittance compared to their former cost, assembling a collection of all fifty, even today, poses a formidable challenge.

     Jacksonville amateur malacologist Harry G. Lee was presented Mr. Dance's book as a gift in 1976 and aggressively embarked on a quest to assemble a collection of all fifty. On May 27, 1999 the goal was reached - no small task when one considers that, at the time, some of the species were known to science from about a dozen specimens.

Also see: "The Mariaemma Volute Rediscovered"