While we are recommending publications for people interested in etymology
and language in general, everyone on Earth should have a copy of
'Composition of Scientific Words' by Wilbur Brown, published by the
Smithsonian. The introductory essay is very interesting, if a bit turgid,
and the main text is gem. Most scientific names of molluscs can be
dismantled and traced to their original meanings, as can a huge number of
words in general English. Like all brilliant books, it has stood the test
of time - first published in 1927, the present (revised) edition dates from
1956.