I am surprised that no one has mentioned the book that has already been
published on common names. Some of you (Gary, Harry, someone) might know the
name of it.  I think Donna Turgeon was finishing the second edition. That is
as far as my memory goes.
  As far as scientific names, when I teach a class of young people about
shells and they worry about scientific names, I ask them the names of their
friends. At one class, I had NEVER heard of some of those little girls names
in my whole life. (Where do mothers come up with these names?)  But the other
children could obviously remember them. Think of shells as your friends and
learn one at a time.
  As far as collecting shells, I can never remember where I found all my
shells. I have to discipline myself to write the location immediately with the
shell. I tell myself I will remember, but then five or six years and a lot of
memorable things in between, and poof!!! where I found that shell is gone.
  For you who consider yourself beginners, do not despair, with time will come
knowledge and having watched many beginning collectors throughout the years, I
rejoice with them when they can first come up with a scientific name and the
pride they have remembering it. Success breeds success. That is one reason you
are here, to learn.
                           Carole M